SKF is committed to ‘equipping the world with SKF knowledge’ because this global bearings and engineering solutions specialist believes in the importance of sharing knowledge with industry and customers around the world. “SKF has therefore always been involved in training across our six global core technologies - bearings & units, power transmission, seals, mechatronics, lubrication systems and, mechanical and reliability engineering services,” explains Eddie Martens, SKF Key Accounts Manager - Automotive Aftermarket.

SKF’s automotive training started in 2008 and Martens explains that the training courses are broad, with purely product training to technical training with regards to fitting and bearing failures on offer. “Our training programs cover all of our products and are customised to suit customer requirements.” Martens add that they are presently working towards achieving merSETA accreditation for the automotive courses. “We believe that we have the knowledge, know-how and the capabilities to make an impact and a difference to the market.” 

SKF automotive distributors are encouraged to identify customers that would benefit from the training. “This enables us to ensure that the delegates on our courses gain the maximum benefit from the training provided.” SKF is a knowledge engineering company and as the range of products grows so does the training to support the products. “Our automotive training is certainly no exception; it will always keep in step to ensure that it includes all the new SKF automotive products as well as changes that are continually taking place in the automotive sector. With SKF at the leading edge of the changes we are well positioned to continue passing the knowledge on to our customers”, concludes Martens.

SKF South Africa has trained over 1000 delegates since the drive for automotive training started six years ago and will continue to build on these successes. Plans are in the pipeline to offer courses in educational institutions.

SKF South Africa, together with Future Mechanics Academy, is also involved in training for previously disadvantaged learners in the field of motor mechanics and auto electrical.