On the 8th of June 2018, the AIDC in partnership with the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP) held a workshop followed by a tool-handover to informal body and mechanical repairers, at the Gauteng Automotive Learning Centre (GALC). In September 2016, the AIDC together with GEP conceptualized a mentorship programme aimed at assisting SMME’s through business support, mentorship and training, and efficient business management. This was after identifying problems of outdated equipment and technology within SMME’s.
The AIDC and GEP mentorship programme seeks to upskill those in the informal automotive sector, in the areas of panel beating, spray painting and mechanical repairs. The mentorship programme has since its launch helped a total number of 75 businesses. Beneficiaries received trade testing at the AIDC’s Trade Test Center, training at the GALC and tools to be used in their various businesses.
The SMME’s are residents of Hammanskraal, Soweto and Soshanguve townships. State of the art equipment such as compressors, tool-kits, battery charger, engine cranes and mobile tools were handed over on the day. After a three months’ period the AIDC and GEP will visit the different SMME’s at their respective workshops to assess impact of the intervention and the progress made.