Young South Africans urged to consider ‘prosperous’ career in panel beating as skills shortage sets in

Young South Africans are being sold a false narrative that the only way to get ahead is through a university degree, says Professor Nadine Petersen, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of Johannesburg.

“There are respectable positions and career opportunities for young South Africans through other kinds of post-school education, and I don’t think we prioritise those pathways strongly enough in this country,” Petersen said.

One such pathway that provides a wealth of opportunities for growth and stability is the Motor Body Repair (MBR) industry.

Juan Hanekom, National Director of the South African Motor Body Repairers Association (SAMBRA) points out that there is currently a significant skills shortage in the sector, creating a high demand for well-trained professionals.

These skills can be obtained through one of 50 registered and accredited public TVET Colleges in South Africa, located in both urban and rural areas. 

“Contrary to outdated perceptions, the MBR industry offers diverse roles, from technical positions like motor body repair and sophisticated spray-painting techniques to non-technical roles in administration, customer service, workshop management, and finance," Hanekom said.

The industry is also currently seeing more hybrid roles, such as damage estimation careers which blend technical knowledge with administrative skills.

The industry has also seen a transition from legacy qualifications to occupational qualifications, allowing accredited training providers, including public TVET colleges as well as private training centres, to play a central role.

The new system will see training providers providing theoretical knowledge as well as practical components, while employers will provide the essential workplace experience for apprentices. This collaborative approach, says Hanekom, will ensure that apprentices gain comprehensive, real-world skills that meet industry demands.

“To fully benefit from this transition, we encourage employers and young people to actively engage with accredited training providers in their area. By embracing this change, you can play a pivotal role in shaping a skilled workforce for the future, ready to meet the evolving needs of our industries,” Hanekom added.

"We need young, talented individuals to help sustain and grow our industry. With the right skills and training, they can look forward to a stable and prosperous career."

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