Ford South Africa has launched an apprenticeship program in Pretoria aimed at addressing the shortage of skilled vehicle technicians. The initiative, called the Ford Autotechnician Apprenticeship Scholarship, was piloted this year with eight students from low-income families selected from technical high schools.
The three-year program combines formal technical education with hands-on training to prepare participants for servicing modern, complex vehicles. Ford hopes the program will not only improve technical skills but also create employment opportunities for young people in the automotive sector.
By targeting students from disadvantaged backgrounds, Ford aims to diversify the workforce and ensure a steady supply of qualified technicians. The program reflects a growing emphasis on vocational training in South Africa as industries seek to adapt to technological advancements.
The success of the pilot has led to plans for expansion, with Ford considering rolling out the program to other regions in the future.
