Our Story

A Brief History

The Cadet is credited to the vision of Craig Absalom and Jan Combrink, both of whom have extensive experience in the Motor Industry. Recognising a gap in the market, they saw the need for a new generation of qualified Sales Executives who have the right personality and attitude characteristics, to bolster this crucial industry.

The Sales Cadet programme was born out of this vision. It is designed not only to guide newcomers in the industry but also to provide opportunities for existing New and Used Vehicle Sales Executives who lack access to brand-specific training.

Our commitment is to foster growth in the Motor Industry by equipping sales professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. Join us on this journey.

Craig Absalom: A Leader in the Motor Industry and Human Capital Development

Craig Absalom brings to the table over 34 years of rich experience in the motor industry and the human capital development sector. His journey began as a Sales Executive, progressing to a Sales Manager, and for the last 17 years, he has been a Dealer Principal in automotive retail.

For the past 7 years, Craig has been at the helm of Transformd Recruitment, a company that specialises in recruitment, training, consulting, and coaching. He is a firm believer in the power of people and productivity, and holds the conviction that the difference between a good business and a great business lies in its people.

Craig leverages his expertise in training, change management, and executive coaching to effect positive change and make a significant impact through people. He has a proven track record of turning around loss-making dealerships, managing operations, and leading teams to success.

Driven by his purpose of empowering people to find their passion and align it with their work, Craig holds a Graduate Diploma in Marketing Management and is a certified Brain-Based Coach. His passion and dedication are evident in his impactful career and continue to be his driving force.

Craig Absalom
Jan Combrink

Jan Combrink: A Seasoned Professional in Talent Management and Development

With a rich career spanning 46 years, Jan specialises in Talent Management, Change, Training, and Development. His expertise lies in conducting comprehensive needs analysis and developing effective training interventions, whether they are blended, classroom, web-based, or paper-based. He is adept at implementing Learning Management Systems (LMS) and e-learning solutions.Jan’s extensive experience in the automotive industry sets him apart in his field. He has also enriched minds as a part-time Lecturer at Wits for two decades. His academic accomplishments include a BCom Hons and an MBA, underscoring his deep understanding of business and management. At the heart of Jan’s work is his passion for nurturing career growth and personal development in individuals. His commitment to this cause is evident in his impactful career and continues to be his driving force.At the heart of Jan’s work is his passion for nurturing career growth and personal development in individuals. His commitment to this cause is evident in his impactful career and continues to be his driving force.

Our Mission

Our mission is to attract, empower and enhance the skills of individuals employed in the motor industry. Through innovative technology, we aim to revolutionise training, making it more efficient and accessible.

We affectionately refer to our trainees as ‘Motor Industry Cadets’.

Share this: