Engineering News reports that BMW Group SA (BMW SA) on Friday cut the ribbon on a new, R73m training academy at its Rosslyn plant, in Pretoria.  

The 6,000 m2 facility can host 300 apprentices a year.   BMW SA opened its first training centre at Rosslyn in 1978 and since then close to 2,000 training academy graduates have secured employment at the plant.  “Global automotive production stands on the brink of momentous change with an increased focus on digitalisation and electrification.  The workforce of tomorrow needs to keep pace with these trends,” commented BMW SA and Sub-Saharan Africa CEO Tim Abbott at the opening ceremony.  The newly built training facility focuses on theoretical knowledge and practical application.  An accredited trade test centre has been incorporated into the building, allowing learners to achieve their trade qualification in-house.  This functionality will also be extended to the public in the course of 2018.  Learnerships on offer to external candidates will be mechatronics and autotronics.  Trades to study include millwright, electrician, fitter, fitter and turner, motor mechanic, spray painter and panel beater.

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