This is a notable shift by the Korean automaker in an automotive sector where female participation in artisan trades has historically remained very low. At dealership-level, technical capability is increasingly critical as modern vehicles become more advanced and digitally-integrated.

“As an organisation, we view apprenticeship development as a strategic business imperative,” says Stanley Anderson, CEO of Hyundai Automotive South Africa. “By investing at scale across our 97-dealer footprint, we are strengthening our dealerships while contributing meaningfully to South Africa’s skills economy.”

The company’s apprenticeship programme is purposed along expert mentorship. Each apprentice is paired with an experienced aftersales specialist, many with over 20 years of automotive engineering experience.

Christine Masinga, Human Resources Director of Hyundai Automotive South Africa highlighted the deliberate focus on broadening opportunity while maintaining rigorous standards. “This ensures practical knowledge is transferred directly from master technicians to emerging apprentices,” Christine says.

“Nearly a quarter of our apprentices are women because we have intentionally widened opportunities while preserving technical rigor. When young people receive structured training, mentorship and clear career pathways, talent rises to meet the standard,” she states.

For Hyundai owners this translates into confidence, knowing their vehicles are serviced by technicians trained under a structured, performance-driven programme and guided by some of the most experienced aftersales professionals in the industry.