BASF Coatings Services marked a significant milestone on 13 August as ten dedicated apprentices successfully completed their Automotive Spray-painter apprenticeship programme, specialising as professional vehicle painters.
This achievement represents the latest success of BASF's comprehensive apprenticeship initiative, a registered programme delivered through Merseta.
The graduates who have successfully completed the rigorous training programme and are now qualified automotive spray painters are: Lesetja Temo, Glender Baloyi, Hulisani Mudau, Cedrick Musedeli, Balungile Nqcosa, Sisamkele Fikeni, Lisedi Mabokano, Mduduzi Mwelase, Thabiso Maroga and Seabonga Mokwena.
The BASF apprenticeship programme combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical experience, providing apprentices with a complete understanding of the automotive refinishing industry. Practical training takes place in typical body shop environments and covers two distinct specialisation areas. Body Repair Technicians focus on addressing structural and cosmetic vehicle damage, whilst PaintTechnicians specialise in the painting and finishing processes that restore vehicles to their original condition. This specialisation allows professionals to develop deep expertise in their chosen field.
BASF maintains its position as an industry leader through continuous investment in training technology and methodology. The company regularly updates its training curriculum, incorporating the latest refinish techniques, colour matching technologies, and process improvements. The programme utilises blended learning models that seamlessly combine hands-on workshops with eLearning modules andinteractive webinars, whilst leveraging global expertise and innovations from BASF's international training network to ensure programmes meet both local needs and global standards.
The success of the apprenticeship programme relies on strong partnerships with industry experts. BASF Coatings Services collaborates with Mbuntu Training Services for theoretical instruction, whilst host autobody shops provide essential practical and on-the-job training opportunities. The programme is further strengthened by the expertise and support of the BASF Refinish Competence Centre (RCC) based in Midrand.
The RCC team serves as the backbone of the training programme, ensuring comprehensive support across multiple areas. They conduct hands-on workshops covering critical skills including surface preparation, spray application techniques, precision colour matching, and professional finishing methods. The team provides ongoing technical support to body shops, helping to troubleshoot operational challenges and optimise performance standards, whilst promoting environmentally responsible coatings and application methods that align with global environmental standards. Additionally, they support both apprentices and established professionals with structured career growth opportunities and continuous learning initiatives.
The RCC is led by four industry veterans who bring decades of combined experience to the programme. Trevor Vogl, Regional Technical Manager, began his automotive journey as an apprentice in 2000, progressing through roles as painter, technician, and sales manager. He now oversees technical operations whilst ensuring the highest standards in training and product support, driven by his passion for sharing extensive industry knowledge.
Wayne Botes, National Training Manager, started his career as an apprentice in 1992, qualifying as a spray painter in 1994. After joining BASF in 2018 as a technical consultant, he was promoted to National Technical Trainer in 2021 and National Training Manager in 2022. Wayne leads the development and delivery of training seminars at the RCC, bringing over three decades of industry experience to his role.
Titus Khoza, National Technical Trainer, entered the industry in 2003, becoming a professional spray painter in 2015. He joined BASF's technical team in 2019 and earned promotion in 2021, where he now specialises in mentoring apprentices and sharing practical refinishing expertise. Timmy Agenbag, also a National Technical Trainer, grew up in the automotive industry and qualified as a spray painter in 2012. Since joining BASF in 2017 as a Technical Consultant and becoming a trainer in 2018, he has become known for his teaching passion and commitment to industry development.
The BASF apprentice programme continues to generate increasing interest and participation numbers, delivering substantial benefits that extend well beyond immediate business outcomes. The initiative creates a skilled pipeline of BASF-trained artisans who are thoroughly familiar with the company's products and processes, resulting in improved brand loyalty and increased product usage among graduates as they enter the professional workforce.
Perhaps more importantly, the programme strengthens industry standards and professionalism in the automotive refinishing sector, helping to elevate the entire industry. The initiative enhances BASF's corporate social responsibility profile through meaningful investment in youth development and job creation, whilst building lasting relationships with host autobody shops and training partners throughout the region.
As these ten new graduates begin their professional careers, they carry with them not only technical expertise but also the values of excellence and innovation that define the BASF approach to automotive refinishing. Their success represents both a personal achievement and a significant contribution to the continued growth and professionalisation of South Africa's automotive industry, demonstrating the tangible impact of investing in skills development and youth empowerment.
