By Malusi Msomi

Nissan South Africa has worked with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to improve the skills development of students at the University of Johannesburg and 5 TVET Colleges as part of its commitment to the socioeconomic development of young in the nation.

Nissan has given engine unit sets made up of engines, gearboxes, and differentials worth over 2 million Rand to UJ and five TVET institutes (Technical Vocational Education and Training) located in Gauteng, Limpopo, and the North-West through the Motor Technology Enhancement Programme (MTEP).

“Nissan has embarked on a journey to support skills development and training in higher education institutions across South Africa, through actively supporting projects that are focused on resolving societal challenges. We’re committed to working to improve the lives of South Africans and communities in areas such as education, the environment and humanitarian aid,” says Kabelo Rabotho- Country Director at Nissan South Africa.

It is well known that there is a persistent skills shortage in the automotive industry, with reports indicating that certain professions—such as motor body repair and spray painting, gasoline and diesel mechanics, welding, vehicle bodybuilding, and auto electrical—are in short supply. Globally, the sector is predicted to experience a 2.3 million skilled person deficit by 2025 and a 4.3 million skilled worker shortage by 2030. The MTEP’s goal is to improve the institutions’ motor technology curricula so they may better meet the demands of the rapidly changing automotive industry.

In addition to UJ, the five TVET Colleges receiving the engine sets are: Tshwane North, Tshwane South, Waterberg, Vuselela, and Central Johannesburg. The MTEP will also donate an engine unit to UJ.