Hisense SA, NBI and Northlink TVET College launch Technical Academy to advance appliance repair skills in the Western Cape
The National Business Initiative (NBI), Hisense SA and Northlink TVET College launched the Hisense-Northlink Technical Academy on 26 August 2026 at the Belhar Campus of the Northlink TVET College in Cape Town, establishing a dedicated training and workplace development initiative for technical skills in the domestic appliance repair sector.
The Academy forms part of the NBI’s Installation, Repair and Maintenance (IRM) Initiative, through the Appliance Repair and Dismantling (ARAD) programme, which aims to address skills shortages in the formal appliance repair market and expand opportunities for young people to enter employment.
The initiative responds to barriers limiting young people’s entry into the formal appliance repair sector, including: limited access to formal training and recognised certification, limited opportunities for practical workplace experience, and linkages between training institutions and formal manufacturer service networks, which can make it difficult for students to transition from training into the workplace.
“For us, the value of the Hisense-Northlink Technical Academy lies in bringing industry and TVET education closer together. It creates an opportunity to ensure that young people are gaining skills that respond to a real market need, while giving them exposure to the workplace and the standards expected by industry,” says Gugu McLaren-Ushewokunze, Head of Economic Inclusion at the NBI.
The Hisense-Northlink Technical Academy brings together industry expertise and public TVET education to ensure training is aligned with current market requirements. Students will combine college-based learning with structured workplace experience, creating a practical pathway into the appliance repair sector.
As part of the collaboration, Hisense will support the Academy with training appliances, technical equipment and expertise, and opportunities for students to gain workplace experience within its service network.
“This partnership is an important investment in the future of technical skills in South Africa.” shares Luna Nortje, Deputy General Manager at Hisense South Africa. “We are developing a pipeline of qualified technicians who understand our products and meet industry standards. This strengthens service quality and supports the long-term sustainability of the appliance repair ecosystem.”
For 30 years, Hisense has been part of South Africa’s story. Since entering the market in 1996, the company has grown its footprint while carrying forward a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility, creating local jobs and exporting “Made in South Africa” products across the continent and beyond. Three decades on, Hisense remains committed to putting world-class technology in South African hands, and giving South Africans a hand in building it.
“Northlink TVET College highly values the partnership established with the National Business Initiative (NBI) and Hisense South Africa for this project,” shared Lebuhang Mosia, Acting Campus Manager for Belhar Campus, Northlink TVET College. “This collaboration will significantly contribute to the College’s vision of expanding Occupational programmes that respond to skills in high demand within industry, while creating meaningful opportunities for our students to enter the workplace.”
“As part of this initiative, the College is committed not only to equipping students with relevant technical skills and practical industry experience, but also to supporting them beyond their training,” continued Mosia. “We aim to facilitate pathways for graduates to be absorbed into industry or, where appropriate, to establish and grow their own businesses. Through partnerships such as this, we can strengthen the link between TVET education, industry requirements and sustainable employment opportunities for our graduates.”
