This study explores the relationships between globalisation and education and training through an examination of certain transnational corporations operating in the automotive sector in South Africa. The automotive industry is an important source of improvements in both the quality and quantity of skills in South Africa. This sector was the initial driver of much of recent changes in skills development in response to globalisation and has particular potential to be incorporated into global production chains. The South African policy strategies for skills and for industrial development are still relatively young and fragile. Nonetheless, they do appear to point to the scope that a developing country with comparative economic strength and state capacity has for positive interventions to support international competitiveness. (Contains 1 table and 2 notes.)