Partner with KATS Training
Develop World-Class Automotive Artisans for Your Dealership
Why Partner with KATS?
Your Trusted Partner for Automotive Apprentice Training
KATS Training delivers the quality, consistency, and professionalism that dealerships demand. We understand your business needs because we work exclusively with the automotive industry.
QCTO DTTC Accredited
Stringent manufacturer-approved standards ensuring graduates meet OEM requirements from day one.
merSETA Grant Expertise
Discretionary grants cover 80-100% of training costs.
Work-Ready Graduates
87% completion rate, 91% first-time trade test pass rate - graduates who deliver immediate value.
Partnership Benefits
Why Leading Dealerships Choose KATS
Cost-Effective Training
merSETA grants cover 80-100% of costs. Many partners find apprentice development is cost-neutral or profit-positive after mandatory and discretionary grant rebates.
Minimal Disruption
70/30 work-study model means apprentices spend 70% of time in your workshop gaining practical experience, only 1-2 days per week at KATS for theory.
Skills Pipeline
Build a sustainable talent pipeline. Address the critical artisan shortage while developing loyal, well-trained technicians who understand your operation.
Full Support
We handle learnership agreements, merSETA paperwork, grant applications, progress tracking, and workplace assessments. You focus on your business.
How It Works
Your Partnership Journey
Initial Consultation
Contact our employer partnerships team. We'll discuss your skills needs and training goals. No obligation.
Partnership Agreement
Our role is to serve as a dedicated training partner, supporting candidates through every stage of their practical and theoretical training.
Apprentice Placement
While you manage your own recruitment, we are available to provide expert technical assessments for your candidates upon request.
Training & Graduation
Apprentices train at KATS and your workplace for 3-4 years. We track progress, conduct assessments, and support trade test success.
Investment & Returns
The ROI of Apprentice Training
Smart dealerships view apprentice training as a strategic investment, not a cost. Here's why the numbers work in your favor:
merSETA Grants
Recover 20% of payroll levy via mandatory grants, plus 80-100% of training costs via discretionary grants
Lower Recruitment Costs
Develop loyal, culture-fit technicians internally instead of expensive external recruitment
Productive Contribution
Apprentices contribute billable hours while learning (especially years 2-4)
Retention & Loyalty
Home-grown talent shows 3x higher retention than external hires in first 3 years
Sample Cost Breakdown (3-year learnership)
| Training fees (3 years) | R165,000 |
| Apprentice stipend (R4,500/month × 36) | R162,000 |
| Gross Investment | R327,000 |
Offset by Grants & Contributions:
| merSETA discretionary grant (80%) | -R132,000 |
| Mandatory grant rebate (20% levy) | -R35,000 |
| Apprentice billable hours (conservative) | -R120,000 |
| Total Offsets | -R287,000 |
Trusted By
Our Dealer Partners
Ready to Build Your Artisan Pipeline?
Join BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Audi and other leading dealerships who trust KATS Training to develop their technician talent. Contact our employer partnerships team today.