Learning and knowledge production: a case study of the auto industry in the Pretoria region

Abstract

The automotive industry is undoubtedly one of the most important economic sectors in the world. It is also a sector that commands highly advanced levels of technology, which requires an equally highly technical workforce, capable of meeting its increasingly sophisticated nature of production. The primary focus of this study was to examine how the auto industry in South Africa can mitigate the difficulties involved in meeting these needs as it seeks to improve its competitiveness on the global auto value chain. Using the global value chain framework, the study has looked at the automotive industry within the Pretoria region in Gauteng to examine what it takes for automotive companies in South Africa to succeed in such a highly competitive industry, especially as regards obstacles involved in operating from a developing country, while striving to meet stringent international quality standards. There are understandably numerous challenges involved to participate successfully in this industry, but the study focuses on those difficulties that are related to developing the necessary technical expertise in auto manufacturing and production. Of particular interest to the study is the provision for highly technically skilled workers such as artisans, especially considering the perceived inefficiency in the vocational education system in South Africa, which is seen by the industry as inadequate with regards to meeting their skilling needs. The study examines factors that hinder the college system from playing its intended supportive role to the industry and then looks at alternative learning strategies used by automotive companies to develop the expertise that is needed for their operations. To this end, the study highlights the importance of incorporating both codified knowledge, which is acquired through traditional formal classroom instruction and tacit knowledge, which is developed through informal and situated learning in the workplace, to contribute to provision for the required technical expertise in the industry.