HOLLARD ARTISAN PROGRAMME UPDATE – TWO YEARS IN
The automotive refinisher industry is one of precision, creativity, and technical excellence. As we step into the second year of the Hollard Artisan Development Programme, we are proud to share the significant progress and impact of this initiative, which is successfully shaping the next generation of automotive spray painters and auto body repairers.
Partnership and support: the heart of the programme
This programme would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our partner Motor Body Repairers (MBRs), dedicated mentors, and business owners who genuinely care about skills development. Their investment in young people and their commitment to training continue to inspire us and ensure the sustainability of our sector.
The data clearly shows the success of these partnerships with trainee candidates gaining invaluable hands-on experience and contributing directly to the industry. Each placement represents a real investment by businesses who believe that the future of their craft lies in the intentional training of the next generation.
The journey so far
When we launched the initiative in late 2023 and early 2024, we started with two cohorts of 100 learners in total, embarking on a three-year journey to achieve their trade qualification. Recruitment focused on identifying candidates with both aptitude and passion for the trade. Of course, we also recognised that these young people would need time to adapt to the demands of a highly technical and disciplined industry.
With a combined retention rate, close to 80%, we are proud of the group of committed and talented young artisans who have remained dedicated and proven themselves. Their resilience, adaptability, and determination reflect the transformative power of this programme.
Now, more than a year in, all candidates are immersed in advanced, hands-on tasks, moving well beyond the basics.
Auto body repair trainees are tackling major structural repairs, including measuring, cutting, and welding, while continuing to master strip-and-assemble process.
Automotive spray painter trainees are refining advanced spraying techniques, maintaining flawless finishes, and learning the intricacies of mixing solid, metallic, and three-stage paints.
These skills set the foundation for excellence, ensuring that each candidate develops technical depth and confidence.
Voices from the floor: tailored technical approaches
The success of the programme lies in its adaptability. It is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Each host shop develops its own way of integrating candidates, matching their strengths to production requirements.
At Sanrose Auto Body in Johannesburg, a Mercedes-Benz approved shop, the emphasis is on meticulous, brand-standard finishes using premium techniques. Meanwhile, a shop specialising in fleet vehicles prioritises durability and efficiency, giving learners exposure to high volume, time-sensitive work. This diverse range of experiences ensures candidates are versatile and industry-ready.
The Cohort 2 Placement Review data proves that this flexible approach is working. 19 out of 29 active candidates (65.52%) are performing above 80% at stand-alone capacity.
Supervisors report zero notable gaps, with many praising candidates for adapting quickly and working with minimal supervision.
Mentors consistently describe their performance as “very good” and affirm that candidates “know their work.”
At Chako Panelbeaters, one supervisor described candidate Isabella Dube as “a real asset in our workshop” – a testament to the tangible value these young artisans bring.
These statistics and direct feedback from supervisors prove that the programme is not only effectively training future artisans but is also producing highly capable individuals who are already functioning independently in their roles. The stats show that candidates are way ahead of the traditional training and that this programme has the power to quickly advance candidates so the host shops can quickly see a great return on investment.
Accreditation status
The programme is not just transforming candidates – it is reshaping the ecosystem. As one of five accredited sites in South Africa for the legacy trades, C3 Auto Body Repair Academy continues to deliver training and trade testing supported by a seasoned team of assessors and moderators.
We remain accredited for CBMT Level Trade Testing and Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) in both auto body repair and spray painting. Looking forward, we are preparing for QCTO occupational accreditations, ensuring our training stays aligned with the country’s evolving qualification framework.
For out-of-town candidates, the Academy provides accommodation and transport assistance in Bloemfontein, breaking down barriers of access and enabling wider participation.
Innovation through collaboration
Since our inception in 2018, C3 Auto Body Repair Academy has embraced innovation and collaboration as non-negotiables. By working closely with industry partners, insurers, and government institutions including TVET Colleges and other Skills Development Providers, we have created opportunities that are meaningful, practical, and transformative.
Together, we are proving that artisan training is not simply about skills transfer – it is about shaping the culture, resilience, and professionalism of a new workforce. The energy in our workshops today reflects a shared vision for tomorrow.
Great facilities and national reach
Our facilities are recognised for excellence, efficient operations, and exceptional customer service. These strengths enable us to extend our reach nationwide.
Through trainee sponsorship, we have successfully placed candidates in different provinces, ensuring that geography does not limit opportunity. Whether in Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Limpopo or KwaZulu-Natal, candidates are gaining the same standard of quality training and exposure.
Conclusion
“The Hollard Artisan Development Programme is now firmly established as a benchmark for excellence in artisan development. By year two, it has not only retained and developed a strong pipeline of candidates but also delivered clear value to host shops and the industry at large,” says Neo Motshabela – Head of Operations: C3 Academy and national expert for MBR: World Skills SA.
Story by: Neo Motshabela
