South Africa continues to face persistent technical skills shortages, and Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has now reopened the training hub where it develops artisans and technical specialists. The Toyota Academy Learning for Africa (TALA) returns after a significant renovations investment.
Since its inception in 2006, TALA has served as a key enabler of Toyota’s local training and development needs, including artisan qualification. It supports Toyota’s operations and the broader manufacturing sector, and offers structured training pathways for dealer personnel, employees, suppliers and automotive leaders.
Kerry Roodt, Vice President Sales and Dealer Network at Toyota South Africa Motors, spoke at the reopening. “The Academy exists to translate investment in people into sturdier business performance, stronger dealer capability and a better customer experience,” he said. He added: “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.”
TALA offers modular training programmes such as Workshop Assistant and Automotive Motor Mechanic, 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, which will further expand its ability to support nationally recognised technical qualifications.
Learners gain practical experience using integrated Toyota systems in a structured training environment. Other training covers PicoScope, a Global Toyota Technician Program, New Energy Vehicle training, SAP HANA, Sales CRM and various soft skills.
TSAM describes the modernisation as timely, as the automotive industry continues to change at a rapid speed. The enhanced facilities have been designed to create a learning environment that supports collaboration, confidence and continuous improvement.
The renovated site has 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. The Academy serves the Toyota dealer network and its employees.
Roodt closed the event with these words: “TALA is more than a training facility. It is a symbol of our confidence and commitment to the future. The Academy exists to support our dealer network and employees in their development goals.” He ended on a forward looking note: “We look forward to more learning, collaboration and growth of our people.”
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