MACHINE tools are only as good as the people who operate them. As the Eastern Cape’s manufacturing sector continues to invest in precision engineering capacity, the Production Technologies Association of South Africa (PtSA) is focused on a critical part of that equation — building the skilled workforce that keeps these machines running, says Bronwyn Daniels du Randt, manager: industry development, Eastern Cape.
This year again, PtSA celebrated a significant milestone with the successful graduation of another cohort from its PtSA Tool, Die and Mould making (TDM ) Powered Apprenticeship Programme, demonstrating the continued growth and impact of the programme. Nine apprentices — Keenan Hendrick, Collen Mpofu, Blessings Phiri, Pheliswa Plaatjie, Oyama Patu, Lilitha Xobongo, Buhle Xosana, Nela Mpendulo, and Lucecin Cengeni — received their PtSA TDM Powered Apprenticeship Certificates after completing rigorous, hands-on training in Toolmaking and precision machining
Daniels du Randt says the programme is designed to close the skills gap that has long challenged South Africa’s Tool, Die and Mould-making industry, an industry that underpins everything from automotive components to consumer plastics manufacturing. Every stamped, moulded or pressed part begins on a Toolmaker’s bench — and every toolmaker begins with training on the machine tools that make precision manufacturing possible.
“What sets this cohort apart is not just their technical certification, but where they’ve landed: all nine graduates have secured employment with respected Eastern Cape manufacturers, including Autocast, Wins Engineering, Jendamark Automation, The Engineering HUB, and Robbie Deyzel CNC. These placements demonstrate the real, tangible link between structured apprenticeship training and industry-ready talent — exactly the kind of skilled workforce the region’s machine tool and manufacturing sector needs to remain globally competitive,” she says.
The PtSA TDM Apprenticeship Programme’s certification process ensures that graduate competency is comprehensively assessed and verified.
The Red Seal Trade Test therefore serves as the QCTO’s formal confirmation of competency rather than an additional hurdle after certification.
With a new intake already underway — the next cohort begins training on 1 October 2026 — PtSA continues to build the pipeline of Toolmakers who will operate, maintain, and advance the machine tools driving Eastern Cape manufacturing forward.
“Companies who would like to sponsor a candidate or who would like to train their own employees are welcome to contact us. There is no manufacturing without tooling and “the machines are only as good as the hands that run them,” with real names and real outcomes,” says Daniels du Randt.
