A women-led automotive workshop in Somerset West is taking a bold step to help address South Africa’s growing skills shortage by turning its premises into a practical training environment for young people who want to pursue a career in mechanics.
Somerset Mechanical Centre (SMC), a long-standing member of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), has served the Helderberg community for more than 15 years. Owned by Director Tazkia Abrahams and Co-Owner Marjory Mentoor, the workshop is now expanding its purpose. Alongside its repair services, the team is working to support the development of new technical talent for the automotive sector.
The concept emerged as a response to a persistent industry challenge. According to Abrahams, finding qualified mechanics has become increasingly difficult. She explains that several job adverts were posted over the past year, yet very few candidates had the necessary training. Discussions with manufacturers and other industry players revealed a shared struggle, with many competing for the same limited pool of skilled workers.
This prompted Abrahams and Mentoor to consider how their workshop could contribute more directly to a long-term solution. They began exploring ways to use their operational environment as a platform for structured training and mentorship.
Abrahams says they wanted to find a way to add more value as community members, not only as business owners. This led to the idea of transforming the workshop into a training space where young people could gain real experience.
The initiative is aimed primarily at matriculants from surrounding rural areas, including Strand, Macassar, Firgrove, Sir Lowry’s Pass and Grabouw. Many of these young people face limited access to further education and formal employment opportunities.
The programme places strong emphasis on hands-on learning. Abrahams explains that technical skills are vital, but so is guidance on workplace behaviour. Trainees will learn what is expected in a professional environment, including punctuality, responsibility and working within established procedures.
Tazkia Abrahams
Training will cover essential mechanical skills, with options to specialise in fields such as diesel mechanics and wheel alignment. Participants will also be introduced to the regulatory requirements that govern a compliant workshop.
