Company Profile: Feltex Automotive
- Who they are: A division of KAP Automotive, Feltex is one of South Africa’s largest automotive component manufacturers.
- What they do: They specialize in “soft trim” and acoustic components—think car carpets, foam seats, and sound-insulating materials that make your drive quiet and comfortable.
- Presence: With 19 state-of-the-art plants across Durban, Rosslyn (Pretoria), Gqeberha, and East London, they operate at the heart of the SA motor industry.
- Culture: Focused on “Just-in-Time” precision, world-class quality (ISO/IATF certified), and an engaged, technically skilled workforce.
Key Responsibilities
As an apprentice, you won’t just be watching; you’ll be doing. Over the 4-year MERSETA program, your duties will include:
- Maintenance & Repair: Assisting artisans in the high-volume production lines to ensure machinery keeps running.
- Fault Finding: Learning to diagnose electrical and mechanical failures using blueprints and schematic diagrams.
- Installation: Helping move, assemble, and install heavy industrial equipment.
- Safety Compliance: Maintaining a clean and safe work environment, strictly following PPE and lockout-tagout (LOTO) protocols.
- Technical Studies: Completing mandatory theoretical modules at accredited technical colleges.
Interview Prep: Possible Questions
Prepare for these common technical and behavioral questions used in the automotive sector:
- “Why do you want to be a Millwright/Electrician specifically in the automotive industry?”
- Tip: Mention your interest in high-speed automation and Feltex’s reputation for supplying global brands like Toyota, VW, or BMW.
- “Tell us about a time you solved a technical problem or fixed something.”
- Tip: Even if it was at home or school, explain your logic. “I identified the part that wasn’t moving, realized it was jammed, and safely cleared it.”
- “What does safety mean to you in a factory environment?”
- Tip: Talk about more than just wearing a hard hat. Mention “situational awareness” and “following procedures to protect my team.”
- “Can you explain the difference between a mechanical and an electrical fault?” (For Millwrights)
- Tip: Explain that mechanical is physical (wear, jamming, breakage) while electrical involves the control/power signal (blown fuse, sensor failure).
Career Advice for Apprentices
- The “Red Seal” Goal: Your 4-year journey ends with the Trade Test. Treat every day on the factory floor as a study session for that exam.
- Master the “Double Trade”: Millwrights are highly sought after because they are “multidisciplinary.” If you are an Electrical apprentice, try to learn a bit of the mechanical side (and vice versa). It makes you indispensable.
- Stay “Tech-Ready”: The automotive industry is moving toward Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (EVs). In 2026, understanding sensors, robotics, and software-driven diagnostics will set you apart from older artisans.
- Reliability is a Skill: In a “Just-in-Time” factory, if a machine stops, the whole line stops. Showing up 10 minutes early and being ready for your shift is the fastest way to get noticed by management.