A WORKPLACE-based learning programme providing young people with practical industry experience is currently underway in the Eastern Cape. It is a collaborative venture between the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA), and the Automotive Industry Development Centre Eastern Cape (AIDC-EC).
According to the two organisations, the latest intake comprises 50 participants, including 25 TVET Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) learners and 25 unemployed graduates. The participants commenced their workplace placements on 9 September 2026, gaining practical exposure across various participating companies within the automotive and manufacturing sectors.
Placements
The programme provides participating interns with an opportunity to transition from theoretical learning into practical workplace environments. Through placements with various participating companies within the industry, interns will gain exposure to real-world operations, workplace processes, technical environments and professional standards relevant to their respective fields.
This industry-based approach is intended to ensure that young people are exposed to authentic workplace environments while simultaneously supporting companies with access to emerging talent that can contribute to the sector’s future skills requirements.
The partnership between the merSETA and AIDC-EC is formalised through a Memorandum of Agreement that runs until 30 September 2028, providing a framework for continued collaboration between the two parties in support of workplace-based learning and industry skills development.
Speaking on the importance of strengthening the connection between skills development and industry, the merSETA acting chief executive officer, Naphtaly Mokgotsane, emphasised the need to create meaningful pathways for young people to transition from learning into the workplace.
“We must continue to strengthen the link between education, skills development and industry. Through partnerships such as this, we are creating opportunities for young people to gain practical workplace experience while building the skills that industry needs to grow and remain competitive.”
He said partnerships between skills development institutions and industry are essential to ensuring that young people are given meaningful opportunities to apply their knowledge, develop practical competencies and prepare themselves for the world of work.
Evolving technologies
The programme is particularly significant within an industry that continues to evolve in response to technological advancement, changing production processes, automation, new energy technologies and the increasing demand for specialised skills.
Providing young people with workplace exposure is therefore not only about improving individual employment prospects, but also about ensuring that the sector has access to a pipeline of talent equipped to respond to its current and future skills requirements.
The internship placements will allow beneficiaries to apply their existing knowledge in practical settings, develop workplace competencies, learn from experienced professionals and build an understanding of the operational requirements of their respective industries.
Participation
By bringing together skills development expertise and industry participation, the merSETA and AIDC-EC partnership seeks to ensure that workplace-based learning remains responsive to the current and future needs of the sector.
As the 50 participants progress through their respective workplace placements, merSETA and AIDC-EC will continue working with participating industry stakeholders to support the successful implementation of the programme and maximise the value of the workplace learning experience.
