Making a difference – Apprenticeships in South Africa
Our apprenticeship program in South Africa is helping to address the country’s acute skills shortage while creating pathways out of unemployment for young people – one apprentice at a time.
What a difference a few years make.
In 2023, Michael Breet had just finished school and joined Schindler’s apprenticeship program in South Africa.
Today, as an Installation Manager, he’s leading projects and making sure everything runs smoothly – from managing installations and contracts to keeping costs under control and ensuring safety on-site.
In South Africa's challenging economic landscape, where six out of 10 young people can't find work, Michael represents a story that’s becoming more and more common: young people going from fresh graduates facing uncertain futures to skilled supervisors.
A program with proven results
What began in 2001 as a response to critical skills shortages has since become a comprehensive four-year apprenticeship program achieving exceptional outcomes: 100% of graduates find employment, with 90% staying on with Schindler.
Lance Ackeer, who oversees the apprenticeship program, highlights its broader impact. "It has truly made a difference by changing lives in disadvantaged communities, giving apprentices the chance to build a brighter future for themselves and to give back to their communities."
After two decades of steady growth, the program expanded significantly in 2023 through a partnership with Tshwane South TVET College. Today, more than 50 apprentices are enrolled to become certified elevator technicians.
The perfect mix
The program's structure reflects a hands-on approach that critics of traditional education might envy: 80% practical training, 20% classroom instruction, with apprentices rotating through three modules – new installations, maintenance, and repairs – over four years in 10-12 week cycles.
"From what I've experienced throughout the years, rotation is the best way of helping apprentices gain knowledge on different product lines," says Clifford Flekkies, a 5YR CPSI Inspector – certified to conduct the comprehensive safety inspections required every five years under South African law.
"Apprentices work with Technicians on service maintenance, Field Engineers on fault finding, and 5YR CPSI inspectors on testing various equipment to ensure it meets all safety standards."
Rotation is the best way of helping apprentices gain knowledge on different product lines," says Clifford Flekkies, a 5YR CPSI Inspector.
A global apprenticeship approach
Our apprenticeship program in South Africa is just one of many similar programs we run in different parts of the world. Switzerland, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, China, New Zealand, Italy, Australia and the UK – all offer apprenticeship programs covering a variety of professions.
While programs differ from one country to the next, all offer our youth an opportunity to enter the workforce and develop the skills they need to thrive in the workplace of today and tomorrow.
Addressing critical skills needs
With the country experiencing a significant deficit of trained elevator mechanics, the program couldn’t have arrived at a better time. The profession is now recognized as a "critical trade" – meaning it’s considered strategically important for the country’s economic development.
But the program's ambitions extend beyond filling technical roles. The focus has been on recruiting from disadvantaged communities and attracting more women in what has traditionally been a male-dominated field, with 18 female apprentices currently enrolled.
It’s a mission that resonates with Elsa Chabangu, a third-year apprentice. "I’m proud to show that women can thrive with equal strength and ability. This opportunity allows me not only to grow but also to contribute to making the world more accessible to women."
Apprentice Wendy Lebohang Magube agrees. "As a woman in a male-dominated field, I faced unique obstacles, but with determination and hard work, I overcame them. I gained technical expertise and developed essential skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management."
This opportunity allows me not only to grow but also to contribute to making the world more accessible to women," comments Elsa Chabangu.
Evolving with technology
The program is changing with the times – in more ways than one. The program's evolution mirrors broader technological shifts in the industry. Where 2001 apprentices focused on traditional AC and DC machines, today's cohort learns mechanical, electrical, and electronic systems – preparing them for an increasingly sophisticated, technology-driven industry.
"Where the program once focused mainly on older products, today it has evolved to include modern microprocessor systems, and now all learners are trained on escalators – something that was previously reserved for only a select few," explains Lance.
Obtaining the Lift Mechanic Trade Certificate will change my life by giving me financial stability and opening the door for me to further my studies in Mechanical Engineering and Management. Most importantly, it gives me the confidence to build a secure future for myself and my family," say Timothy Nkadimeng, 4th year apprentice.
Bridging the school-to-work gap
But technical know-how is only one part of the equation – the program is also helping young people to develop and hone the soft skills required to navigate the workplace.
"When people finish school and start an apprenticeship program, they often struggle with the practical realities of working in a professional environment," says Tracey Phaka, HR Business Partner.
"One of the biggest workplace readiness challenges is helping learners understand the shift from being a student to becoming an employee, where responsibility, accountability and professionalism are key," Tracey adds.
To that end, our apprentices receive ongoing coaching sessions throughout the four-year training period, focusing on professional communication, time management, teamwork, problem-solving in real work situations, understanding workplace culture, and other practical competencies needed to succeed in a job.
The way ahead
Looking forward, Lance sees potential for exchange programs and mentoring initiatives with local and international companies, noting that the qualification is internationally recognized, opening doors beyond South African borders for graduates who want to explore opportunities abroad.
"Through this program, we’ve introduced the lift mechanic trade to many who never knew about it before," says Lance. "And it’s exciting to see it steadily growing in popularity."