FORD Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) recently hosted its annual Careers Day for Grade 11 and 12 learners at its Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria, and Struandale Engine Plant in Port Elizabeth.
A total of 120 pupils (80 in Pretoria and 40 in Port Elizabeth), from various schools and socio-economic backgrounds, were exposed to career opportunities available at a global vehicle manufacturer and given the chance to engage with employees who operate in different fields within the organisation.
“Besides the obvious design, manufacturing, marketing, financing, and servicing of vehicles, Ford is passionately pursuing leadership positions in electrification, autonomous vehicles, and mobility solutions at a global level,” said Human Resources Director Thabo Masete.
“We believe that freedom of movement drives human progress, and we aspire to become the world’s most trusted mobility company, designing smart vehicles in a smart world. This requires a huge number of people, with a vast array of skill sets and qualifications, to fill the various roles. And this is what we wanted to show the learners today.”
One of the key take-aways for pupils was that the automotive industry is about much more than building cars.
Electrical, Industrial, and Mechanical Engineering; Product Design; Manufacturing; Communications; Marketing; Finance; Purchasing; Information Technology (IT); Supply Chain Management; Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR); Wellness; and Human Resources (HR) were among the possible career paths they were exposed to.
Representatives from the Tshwane University of Technology, Boston College, and the Ford Resource and Engagement Centre were also on hand to explain more about the various courses they offer.
“I think the learners were particularly inspired by our Ford employees who had successfully completed our Graduate Programme,” said Masete. “These employees are walking-talking advertisements for what can be achieved with focus and hard work. Interestingly enough, our MD Neale Hill also started his career at Ford as a Graduate Trainee, almost 30 years ago.”
He said the pupils went home motivated and with a much clearer understanding of the possibilities that their futures hold.