On Wednesday, 25 February 2026, representatives from Yamaha South Africa visited Hoërskool Hoogte Tuine in Pretoria to donate a Yamaha motorcycle engine to the school’s technical department.
As a technical high school specialising in engineering-focused subjects, Hoërskool Hoogte Tuine equips learners with the practical skills needed to pursue careers in fields such as motor mechanics. The donated engine will now serve as a valuable training tool, allowing learners to gain hands-on experience while working with real industry equipment.
The visit also provided an opportunity for Yamaha representatives to engage directly with Grade 12 learners, introducing them to the company’s apprenticeship programme and the potential career paths available within the technical and engineering sectors. According to Yamaha’s Head of Aftersales Theo van Vuuren, exposing learners to specialised technologies early in their education can help shape their career ambitions.
“The reason we commit to initiatives like this is to expose students to specialised product lines such as motorcycles and outboard motors, not just the automotive industry,” he explained. “When learners encounter these technologies early in their studies, it helps them understand what companies like Yamaha do and may even inspire them to pursue a career with us.”
Yamaha’s apprenticeship programme offers aspiring technicians the opportunity to gain practical industry experience while working towards their trade qualifications. Apprentices typically progress through various technical levels before completing their trade test, after which they may continue their careers within Yamaha or within the company’s dealer network.
Theo also shared his personal career journey with the learners, highlighting how technical careers can evolve over time. After studying engineering at Technikon Pretoria, he began his career in a technical role and later completed a B.Tech degree, progressing through the automotive manufacturing industry before moving into leadership roles.
Reflecting on what Yamaha looks for in aspiring technicians, Theo emphasised that both academic performance and personal qualities are important.
“You don’t have to be a genius, but you do need above average marks, a good aptitude and the right attitude,” he said. “It’s equally important to work well in a team, contribute to the group and continue learning from those around you.”
Encouraging the learners to start planning their futures, he added: “Apply yourself in these final months, think about where you see yourself in the industry and start building your CV around those goals,” he concluded.
Through initiatives like this, Yamaha continues to invest in the development of young technical talent while strengthening relationships with institutions that nurture the next generation of skilled professionals.
