A pioneering women-owned automotive workshop is transforming its operations to address South Africa’s critical mechanics shortage, creating the Western Cape’s first workshop-based training facility specifically targeting rural youth.

Somerset Mechanical Centre (SMC), owned by director Tazkia Abrahams and co-owner Marjory Mentoor, will launch its comprehensive mechanic training programme on 1 July after 15 years serving the Helderberg community.

The Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA) member workshop represents a groundbreaking approach to skills development, offering real-world experience alongside traditional classroom learning.

Industry crisis sparks innovation

The initiative emerged from SMC’s firsthand experience with the automotive sector’s skills shortage crisis.

“Over the past year, we placed several job adverts and found it incredibly difficult to source properly trained mechanics,” Abrahams explained. “Through discussions with manufacturers and industry stakeholders, it became clear that everyone is competing for the same limited pool of skills.”

Rather than simply competing for existing talent, the duo decided to create their own solution.

“We asked ourselves how we could contribute more meaningfully, not just as business owners, but as members of the community,” Abrahams said.

Rural youth focus

The programme will primarily target matriculants from surrounding rural communities including Strand, Macassar, Firgrove, Sir Lowry’s Pass, and Grabouw – areas where further education and employment opportunities remain limited.

Training will cover core mechanical skills with specialisation opportunities in diesel mechanics and wheel alignment. Crucially, learners will experience real workshop environments, including compliance with industry standards.

“Technical skills are critical, but so is guidance,” Abrahams noted. “Young people need support to understand what it means to be in a workplace – from punctuality and accountability to working within structured processes.”

Industry backing

The initiative enjoys collaboration with key industry bodies including MIWA, the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), and merSETA, providing both framework and practical guidance.

“Training authorities bring the framework, while workshops provide the practical experience,” Mentoor explained. “Together, we can create something that truly prepares young people for the industry.”

Despite strong industry support, practical challenges persist around funding, transport, and basic trainee needs.

“We’ve already invested significantly in upgrading our workshop and equipment to create a suitable training environment,” Abrahams said. “But we also need to think about practical realities like how students get to the workshop and ensuring they have meals during the day.”

Long-term vision

Looking beyond the 2026 launch, Abrahams envisions expanding the concept significantly.

“Ultimately, we would like to build something similar to a fully-fledged training centre here in the Helderberg,” she said. “A place where young people can come to learn a trade, gain real experience, and build a future.”

With compliance processes nearing completion and renovations underway, the initiative positions independent workshops as crucial players in developing South Africa’s next generation of automotive artisans.