Abstract Orientation: The informal sector serves as an untapped reservoir of skilled individuals practising the motor mechanic trade, who are ready for possible reclamation into the formal sector. Research purpose: The objective of this study was to develop a recognition of prior learning (RPL) strategy to link informal practising motor mechanic artisan training to the formal sector to enhance these artisans’ employability status. Motivation for the study: The current formal sector training initiatives for motor mechanics do not provide for or acknowledge the non-formal learning of the informal sector practising motor mechanics. South African desperately needs a national artisan development programme that includes all the components of artisan growth. Although the national artisan development programme will primarily focus on the development of artisans in the formal sector, the large numbers of persons who are involved in artisan work in the informal sector need to be progressively incorporated into the formal sector process. Research design, approach and method: A qualitative design was used and a purposive snowball sample applied. An exploratory qualitative study was conducted to answer the research question. Semi-structured interviews were applied to solicit data from 16 experts representing the motor mechanic training environment. The data were analysed utilising the ATLAS.ti 7.0 program. Contribution/value-add: This study attempted to conduct ground-breaking research in theory building to improve the employability status of people involved in motor mechanic artisan work in the informal sector. The findings of this study could lead to the development of new theory for SETAs to engage in the training and funding of informal practising motor mechanics. The study conceptualises a focused RPL strategy for motor mechanics that could be systematically applied to integrate the informal and formal sector training for the trade.