- 120 learners exposed to career opportunities at Ford’s Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria and Struandale Engine Plant in Port Elizabeth
- Interactive Careers Day highlights wide range of careers within global Ford network, and associated fields of study
PRETORIA, South Africa, 23 March 2015 – Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) hosted its annual Ford Careers Day on Friday, giving a total of 120 Grade 11 learners in-depth insight into the wide range of career opportunities that are available within the automotive industry.
A total of 120 learners were hosted by Ford, including 80 that visited the Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria and a further 40 from schools in Port Elizabeth that attended the programme at the Struandale Engine Plant.
The Careers Day initiative is targeted at Grade 11 learners, and provides them with a wide range of information regarding the relevant career opportunities in the automotive industry. It details the subjects that apply to the relevant fields of study, along with the tertiary education options and qualifications required for entering a particular field.
“The Careers Day programme is an integral part of our focus on education and corporate social investment,” says FMCSA president and CEO, Jeff Nemeth. “Ford is committed to the country and the African continent as a whole, and we actively promote and participate in projects that empower our communities, and the youth in particular.
“This programme gives the leaners an in-depth look into the dynamic world of the automotive sector, and highlights the truly global nature of the industry and the multitude of exciting job opportunities it presents.”
Learners from Pretoria and Alexandra high schools spent the day at the Silverton Assembly Plant understanding the career opportunities that are available.
In Port Elizabeth, Otto du Plessis High School, Ithembelihle Comprehensive School and Gelvandale High School visited the Struandale Engine Plant, and were able to see the Ranger’s advanced Duratorq TDCi engine being produced. Employees with children in Grade 11 were also able to include them in the day’s activities.
The jam-packed programme included presentations from all the various departments at Ford, including Manufacturing, Purchasing, Human Resources, Finance, Marketing, Customer Services and Product Development.
The learners were also treated to tours through the two production facilities to view the vehicles and engines being manufactured and assembled on-site.
