African Group Lubricants and Fezamax Training Academy are helping equip aspiring artisans with the practical skills, industry exposure and professional experience needed to succeed in South Africa’s automotive and industrial sectors

14 October 2026: South Africa’s automotive, industrial, mining and agricultural sectors depend on a steady pipeline of skilled artisans to drive productivity, innovation and economic growth. Yet skills shortages remain a significant challenge across many technical trades, highlighting the need for stronger collaboration between industry and training institutions.

Against this backdrop, African Group Lubricants (AG Lubricants) and Fezamax Training Academy have spent the past two years working together to help bridge the gap between classroom learning and workplace readiness. Through a combination of practical training, industry engagement, technical expertise and product support, the partnership is creating valuable opportunities for aspiring artisans while strengthening the country’s future workforce.

According to Zandi Sigabi, Human Resources Manager at AG Lubricants, the collaboration was established around a shared commitment to developing skilled artisans and supporting South Africa’s technical workforce.

“Our motivation for the partnership was a shared commitment to developing skilled artisans and strengthening South Africa’s technical workforce. The key objectives of the collaboration are to support hands-on training, bridge the gap between theory and practice, and equip learners with industry-relevant skills that improve employability and readiness for the workplace,” comments Sigabi.

Building skills that industry needs

Fezamax is a QCTO-accredited Skills Development Provider and a NAMB-accredited Trade Test Centre with campuses in Ekurhuleni and Worcester. The academy specialises in artisan development across a range of technical disciplines, including heavy equipment, diesel motors, automotive motors, tractor and small engine mechanics, as well as transportation electrical trades.

The academy serves school leavers entering the trades, private apprentices, experienced but uncertified workers seeking formal recognition and corporate employers looking to upskill their workforce.

Willie Potgieter of Fezamax says the organisation’s focus is on addressing critical technical skills shortages while ensuring learners meet national industry standards. “We deliver structured, three-year apprentice programmes that combine classroom theory with hands-on workshop training and logbook-monitored practicals. We also address the industry’s need for strict operational and legal safety compliance through targeted training programmes and skills development initiatives,” explains Potgieter.

Bringing industry into the classroom

A key strength of the partnership lies in the practical value it delivers to students. Through its role as the official Mobil™ distributor in South Africa, AG Lubricants provides access to premium lubricant products, technical expertise and ongoing engagement with learners.

The company supports the academy through quarterly interactions that include product training, technical presentations, equipment demonstrations and networking opportunities. Students are also exposed to real-world applications of lubrication technologies used throughout the automotive and industrial sectors.

Sigabi explains that this exposure plays an important role in preparing students for future employment. “Through this partnership, AG Lubricants provides a combination of high-quality Mobil™ lubricant products, technical support and industry expertise. The aim is to enhance the learning experience by exposing students to real-world applications and trusted Mobil™ products that are widely used across the automotive and industrial sectors.”

Potgieter adds that the partnership has helped strengthen the academy’s industry standing while enriching the training environment. “Our partnership enhances the learning experience by significantly boosting our academy’s industry profile and credibility. Aligning with a globally recognised brand like Mobil™ validates our training environment and reassures students that they are learning with an industry leader.”

Preparing young people for long-term success

Beyond technical training, both organisations recognise the importance of developing the workplace skills and professional discipline required for long-term career success. At Fezamax, students gain practical workplace exposure through structured workshop placements, mentorship from qualified artisans and participation in real-world projects. This approach helps cultivate accountability, leadership, independence and a strong commitment to safety and compliance.

The partnership also aligns with AG Lubricants’ broader commitment to skills development, community upliftment and sustainable economic growth. “By investing in education and skills development, the company actively contributes to empowering individuals and supporting sustainable economic growth. This initiative reflects a long-term vision of building stronger communities through knowledge sharing and capacity development,” says Sigabi.

Creating opportunities through collaboration

The partnership demonstrates how collaboration between industry and education can create meaningful opportunities for young people while helping to address critical skills shortages. To date, the collaboration has contributed to the transformation of Fezamax’s training facilities through professional Mobil™ and AG Lubricants branding and has provided students with direct exposure to industry-leading lubrication products and technologies.

Looking ahead, both organisations see opportunities to deepen the relationship even further. “Our long-term vision is to deepen this collaboration by integrating Mobil™ product knowledge directly into our training curriculum and establishing our academy as a key technical training hub backed by AG Lubricants,” says Potgieter.

Sigabi believes partnerships such as this have an important role to play in shaping South Africa’s future workforce. “By providing access to quality training, mentorship and practical industry exposure, we help equip aspiring artisans with the skills and confidence needed to succeed. Together with Fezamax, we are creating opportunities that improve employability, strengthen the future workforce and contribute to the long-term growth of South Africa’s automotive and industrial sectors,” she concludes.

By combining technical education with real-world industry experience, the partnership is helping to ensure that the next generation of artisans is equipped not only with the skills needed to secure employment, but also with the knowledge, confidence and professional foundation required to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy.