The Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC), in partnership with the University of Johannesburg (UJ), recently launched an automotive skills development programme designed to empower the youth in our communities as part of Transport Month activities. This event took place at the Kliptown Youth Program facility, an important beneficiary of the initiative.
The programme focuses on youth empowerment, aiming to equip participants with skills that can lead to employment, entrepreneurship, or further studies in the automotive sector. Through training, both the AIDC and UJ aspire to impart essential skills that will prepare these young individuals for successful careers.
UJ’s Dr Samuel Ggibani emphasised that the University of Johannesburg is committed to making a meaningful impact on society. “In UJ’s strategic plans for 2035, social impact and sustainability are central to our mission. Programmes like this speak to the core of the university’s existence.”
The automotive skills development programme offers specialised education and training in automotive engineering to the community of Kliptown and surroundings. During the event, students showcased their skills by stripping and assembling an engine, demonstrating the hands-on experience that this programme provides. Already, 15 young people from Kliptown have benefited from this initiative.
The AIDC and UJ are dedicated to collaborating on skills development and training, fostering partnerships between academia and the automotive sector. This aligns with AIDC’s mandate to promote skill development in townships. As Andile Africa, CEO of AIDC, stated, “We aim not only to develop our communities but to ensure they are employable. Through our skills development and training, we align the skills with industry needs, producing employable mechanics and artisans. This partnership bridges the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that students and the community gain practical skills through our automotive hubs.”
Both parties aim to bring on other diverse stakeholders to foster collaboration and prepare the youth for careers in the automotive sector.
