Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has reopened the Toyota Academy Learning for Africa (TALA) following a significant investment in renovations. TALA offers structured training pathways for dealer personnel, employees, suppliers and automotive leaders.
The Academy was established in 2006 and has served as a key enabler of Toyota’s local training and development needs, including artisan qualification. TSAM describes the modernisation as timely, as the automotive industry continues to change at a rapid pace. The enhanced facilities have been designed to support collaboration, confidence and continuous improvement.
Speaking at the reopening, Kerry Roodt, Vice President Sales and Dealer Network at Toyota South Africa Motors, said: "The investment into the modernisation of the Toyota Academy Learning for Africa reflects our belief that learning, development and capability building are central to the future of Toyota."
"With advancements in vehicle technology and the evolution of retail models, TALA will provide an enabling environment for our people to learn and grow in alignment with these changes to ensure our continued competitiveness," Roodt added.
South Africa continues to face technical skills shortages, and TALA has developed artisans and technical specialists to support Toyota’s operations and the broader manufacturing sector. Its modular training programmes include Workshop Assistant and Automotive Motor Mechanic, as well as a Toyota Sales Advisor learnership and a Higher Certificate in Marketing Management.
The Academy is also in the process of becoming External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) certified for Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) trades. This will further expand its ability to support nationally recognised technical qualifications.
Training at TALA includes practical experience using integrated Toyota systems in a structured environment. Other programmes cover PicoScope, the Global Toyota Technician Program, New Energy Vehicle training, SAP HANA, Sales CRM and various soft skills programmes.
The modernised campus features training rooms with 215 seats, a 218-seater auditorium, a Dealer Council room and meeting facilities, a coffee shop and collaboration spaces. Every classroom, workshop, meeting room, technology space and collaborative area has been designed to enable learning, capability development and business success.
Roodt also spoke about what the Academy represents for the company.
"TALA is more than a training facility. It is a symbol of our confidence and commitment to the future," he said.
He explained that the Academy exists to translate investment in people into stronger dealer capability and concluded with a look ahead: "We look forward to more learning, collaboration and growth of our people."
