South Africa’s Tyre Equipment Parts Association (Tepa) has outlined a plan to tackle the critical skills shortage in the tyre sector.
The association, which is part of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation, has outlined a comprehensive five-year plan to modernise and align training programmes with the evolving demands of the sector to ensure relevance and sustainability for the future.
Tepa training committee leader, Angie Frederics, said the local skills development landscape was undergoing significant changes with the phasing out of South African Qualifications Association (SAQA) historic qualifications and their replacement with Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) occupational qualifications.
“While this shift aims to enhance skills training, it has created short-term challenges for skills development providers to enrol new learners into skills programmes,” said Frederics.
She said the transition deadline for SAQA qualifications was 30 June 2024, yet not all programmes had successfully transitioned to QCTO qualifications. This has left gaps, particularly in critical programmes such as automotive servicing and tyre sales, which are yet to be registered under the QCTO framework.
For now, Skills Development Providers can only offer two approved programmes under SAQA’s extended qualifications: Tyre Repairer (SP0561) and Wheel Alignment (SP0963).
However, several key skills programmes, including automotive component diagnostics, tyre and parts sales, and divisional management, remain unavailable until their QCTO counterparts are registered. This has delayed the roll-out of much-needed training for new entrants and professionals seeking to upskill.
Tepa’s five year plan aims to address these challenges and establish a sustainable skills pipeline. In the first year the focus will be on reviewing and aligning existing legacy skills programmes with QCTO standards. This involves updating programme content to meet current and future industry needs.
“We are collaborating closely with the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Merseta) to expedite this process and get learners back into classrooms as soon as possible,” said Frederics.
In the second year, the association will begin creating new skills programmes to address gaps in the current offerings and prepare for the next phases of the plan.
Pilot programmes will be launched at selected fitment centres in the third year. These programmes will refine the implementation process, gather feedback, and address any challenges before a broader roll-out.
The full roll-out of finalised skills programmes will begin in the fourth year, involving extensive collaboration with stakeholders. Accredited training providers and fitment centres will be key partners in delivering these programmes nationwide.
Marketing campaigns will drive participation from industry professionals and attract new talent into the sector in the fifth year, with a focus on creating career pathways and promoting opportunities in the industry.
Frederics said industry collaboration and collective action were vital for the success of the plan.
“Tepa is committed to working with all stakeholders, including Merseta and training providers, to ensure we meet the industry’s skills demands while fostering inclusivity and growth.”
