In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, staying abreast of new developments and emerging trends is paramount for professionals across all industries. As technologies advance, market dynamics shift, and best practices evolve making continuous learning essential for maintaining relevance and competitiveness. This evolution has never been more relevant for the Retail automotive aftermarket sector.
As the leading voice in the automotive aftermarket, the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) is continuing to invest heavily in skills development, this time with the appointment of nine national Training Advisors to support the organisations eight constituent associations.
The first three appointments were announced last month for the Gauteng region and the balance will be appointed shortly to cater for the national needs of members. Boitumelo Mphanya, RMI Training Manager says the increased focus on skills development is key to address the critical need for enhanced skills development within the RMI, particularly among smaller businesses. “The project aims to empower businesses through effective skills development strategies, thereby fostering growth, sustainability, and competitiveness within the sector,” he says.
He says each of the training specialists are highly qualified with extensive and diverse training experience. They will provide the 8 500 member businesses with strategic guidance and support and identify areas for skill enhancement. “This will allow us to design tailored training programmes aligned with industry standards and best practices so we can equip members with the knowledge and competencies necessary to thrive in today’s automotive landscape. Ultimately, the training will enhance member performance, uphold industry standards, and drive sustainable growth within the auto industry,” says Mphanya.
Collaboration with Academia and the various SETAS is key for the organisation to ensure there is an adequate influx of talent and that the skills entering the sector are relevant and aligned. “Our training advisors will play a vital role here too, particularly in providing ongoing support and advice to members in matters relating to Learnerships, Apprenticeships and Skills programmes, based on their experience and expertise in dealing with the Seta’s.”
With the adoption of a strong culture of learning agility, it is anticipated members will be able to thrive in dynamic environments and contribute to the long-term success of not only their own businesses, but also the RMI. “We are driving hard to professionalise the sector and this is a key part of the thrust to enable our members to deliver a higher quality of products and services, which ultimately translates into increased customer satisfaction.
Failure to keep up with industry developments can pose significant risks to our organisation. Members who are unaware of emerging trends, regulations, or market shifts may find themselves ill-prepared to respond effectively, leaving them vulnerable to competitive threats, compliance issues, or market disruptions,” concludes Mphanya.
