Less than a year after launching its Drive Your Dreams Mentorship programme, Hyundai Automotive South Africa is already seeing measurable results from its investment, with participants achieving an average score of 87% across five workplace readiness modules.
Top-performing learner, Gift Mbangi earned an outstanding 95% performance and says the experience has broadened both his understanding of the automotive industry and his career aspirations. "This programme has given me more knowledge about the motor industry and learning how Hyundai trucks are assembled has been one of my highlights.”
“Through the mentorship, workplace exposure and support from Hyundai, I have gained confidence in my abilities and a clearer understanding of the career opportunities available to me. I thank all my Hyundai mentors for the incredible and amazing education experience in the programme," he adds.
Launched in August 2025, the Drive Your Dreams Mentorship programme equips 30 learners from Oosrand Commerce and Entrepreneurship School of Specialisation with workplace skills, career guidance and practical industry exposure to help them make informed decisions about their futures.
Participants completed modules covering customer experience, sales, assertiveness and workplace readiness, while also rotating through Hyundai's Parts Distribution Centre and Apex Plant to gain first-hand insight into manufacturing, logistics and business operations.
Recognising these exceptional achievements, Hyundai will award one learner from the current cohort with a full university bursary, creating a direct pathway from school into higher education.
"Our vision has always been to build a journey that supports learners from education into the world of work. Through skills development, career guidance and workplace exposure, we are helping young people make informed decisions about their futures and preparing them for the opportunities that lie ahead," says Tamika Mercedes, General Manager: People Development at Hyundai Automotive South Africa.
Stanley Anderson, CEO of Hyundai Automotive South Africa says investing in young people is fundamental to building South Africa's future workforce.
"One of the most impactful investments any organisation can make is by empowering young people. By linking education, skills development and employment opportunities, we are giving young people a clearer path towards meaningful careers."
With South Africa's youth unemployment rate at 46%, initiatives that expose learners to the workplace before they leave school are becoming increasingly important in helping reduce youth unemployment.
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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
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