- Toyota Academy Learning for Africa reopens after renovation.
- Training hub has operated since 2006.
- 215 training room seats, 218-seater auditorium.
- Courses include New Energy Vehicle training.
- EISA certification for QCTO trades in progress.
Following a renovation investment, the Toyota Academy Learning for Africa (TALA) has reopened its doors. Toyota South Africa Motors uses the facility to provide structured training for dealer personnel, employees, suppliers and automotive leaders.
Established in 2006, the academy has handled the company’s local training and development needs, including artisan qualifications. Its purpose is to develop staff who deliver consistent customer experiences and to prepare them for changes in vehicle technology and the wider motor industry.
Why Toyota modernised the academy
Kerry Roodt, Vice President Sales and Dealer Network at Toyota South Africa Motors, said the academy exists “to translate investment in people into sturdier business performance, stronger dealer capability and a better customer experience.” She added that advances in vehicle technology and the evolution of retail models made the upgrade necessary.
The renovated facilities were designed to support collaboration, confidence and continuous improvement among those who train there.
Artisan and technical training at TALA
South Africa faces persistent technical skills shortages, and TALA has trained artisans and technical specialists for Toyota’s operations and the broader manufacturing sector. Its competency-based modular programmes include Workshop Assistant and Automotive Motor Mechanic, a Toyota Sales Advisor learnership and a Higher Certificate in Marketing Management.
The academy is also working towards External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) certification for Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) trades. This would widen its ability to support nationally recognised technical qualifications. Upskilling courses cover PicoScope, a Global Toyota Technician Program, New Energy Vehicle training, SAP HANA, Sales CRM and various soft skills, with hands-on work on integrated Toyota systems.
Facilities at the renovated Toyota academy
Training rooms now seat 215 people in total, alongside a 218-seater auditorium, a Dealer Council room, meeting facilities, a coffee shop and collaboration spaces. According to Roodt, the academy is “more than a training facility” and is intended to support the development goals of the dealer network and employees as the business adapts to new technology and retail changes.
Supplied by MotorPress (Riaan Esterhuysen, Senior Manager: PR & Corporate Communication, Toyota South Africa)
This story is based on aggregated news, press release(s) or other sources and was prepared with the help of AI tools, which can make mistakes. Prices, specifications, general information and availability may change, so confirm the details with the manufacturer, other news sources or a dealer.
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