BMW Group South Africa has announced the opening of its new R73-million training academy at Plant Rosslyn.
The local arm of the Munich-based automaker says its new 6 000 square metre facility can host 300 apprentices a year.
“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. At BMW Group South Africa we are investing in the skills of the future,” said Tim Abbott, CEO of BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.
“We will continue to prioritise activities and investments that secure a bright future for the company, our staff, the extended value chain and communities,” he added.
BMW says the academy will focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical application, with new manufacturing skills such as robot programming, advanced computer numerical control simulation and training on electric vehicles also included in the programme.
Interestingly, an accredited trade test centre has been incorporated into the facility, affording learners the opportunity to achieve their trade qualification in-house.
BMW says the training academy will continue to provide skills development for existing employees and managers, including training on what the automaker describes as “advanced technologies” that will be used in the production of the new BMW X3, which will kick off “within a couple of months”.
