The Future Dealership Development Programme (FDDP), an innovative initiative developed to meet this demand, focuses particularly on empowering women to take on leadership roles within the sector.

The FDDP is a four-month leadership development programme created in partnership with the Institute for the Future of Work (IFOW) at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), the Automotive Industry Transformation Fund (AITF), and naamsa (The Automotive Business Council). The programme aims to equip women entrepreneurs aspiring to own and manage automotive dealerships with the necessary leadership skills and knowledge to thrive in the sector.

Participants gain a comprehensive understanding of the automotive dealership ecosystem, including strategic management, the impact of technological changes and the critical role of customer relationship building. The curriculum consists of five modules delivered in a hybrid learning format that combine in-person sessions, online learning and self-directed study over three to four months.

The shortage of skilled people in the retail motor industry in South Africa is a mirror image of what is happening elsewhere in the world. Simon King of the Institute of the Motor Industry in the United Kingdom, says that the automotive industry is undergoing a significant shift with rapid advances in vehicle technology, including the move to electric propulsion. “The skills shortage is not just a long-term issue, but has immediate repercussions on business operations, customer satisfaction and the overall standing of the industry,” he says.

To complement their classroom learning, FDDP participants also receive practical exposure through job shadowing at various dealerships across the country.

This offers an excellent opportunity for dealerships to participate in the programme at no cost by providing five days of mentorship, allowing them to evaluate participants with the potential for future employment. NADA and the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) have been instrumental in arranging placements for these participants at franchised dealerships.

"As 20 women graduated from the Future Dealership Programme – a collaboration between naamsa, TUT's Institute of Future Work, Tshwane School of Business and Society, and the Automotive Industry Transformation Fund – we witnessed the transformative power of education and empowerment," says Jan Schoeman, Joint-CEO of the RMI.

Ashley Gengiah, Dealer Principal at Motus Toyota Bryanston and host to five candidates, says: "Job shadowing is not as forthcoming in our environment as it should be. When I was asked to participate in this programme, I jumped at the opportunity because I recognise the benefits from my own experience in a similar programme."

Ashley has developed a programme where the candidates rotate together through each department – New Vehicles, Used Vehicles, Parts and Service – gaining a comprehensive view of dealership operations. "To the benefit of all – all eyes are on a single subject," he notes, highlighting the collaborative approach.

Ashley also addresses the often-random nature of career paths in the industry, pointing out that a lot of Dealer Principals or franchise dealership owners have ended up in the industry by chance. “There is a place for everyone in this diversified business model. Operating a dynamic business under one roof offers a unique opportunity to learn and grow in all aspects of the automotive industry.”

"The first cohort of 20 participants has set a benchmark for future programmes, driving long-term change and fostering diversity and inclusivity in automotive retail," says Dr Unéné Gregory, IFOW Project Leader at TUT.

Brandon Cohen, Chairperson of the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA), highlights the need for cultivating future leaders in the industry: "We require a diverse range of people in our training and empowerment pipelines to build and grow into management positions in dealership networks. Dealerships are dynamic, cutting-edge environments where a variety of transferable skills can be developed."

Other participating dealerships include BMW West Rand and the Hatfield Motor Group. The first delegate successfully completed a mentorship programme in August at BMW West Rand, under the expert guidance of Dion Coulentianos, the Dealer Principal. Hatfield Motor Group is currently in the process of placing three delegates at various dealerships within their group.

“These FDDP candidates are ideally positioned to explore the diverse career paths within the automotive retail sector, ranging from academic and operational roles to sales, technical, administration and finance,” Brandon concludes.