The partnership was formalised through a grant agreement and entails an investment of R130-million, co-funded by the Jobs Fund and Mercedes-Benz SA, to transform the existing technical training centre at the Mercedes-Benz East London plant into an academy that will address the training demands of the plant and other local industries.
The CEO and executive director for manufacturing for Mercedes-Benz SA, Arno van der Merwe, explained: "Education and skills development in the automotive industry are of paramount importance to keep pace with the huge advances in technology each year.
"Mercedes-Benz SA prioritises the skills development of its workforce but with this co-operation agreement we will be able to participate in addressing the skills shortages faced in high-technology industries in the region and country."