Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) is inviting applications for its Young Professionals Programme – Manufacturing 2026. This 12-month graduate training programme offers recent graduates the opportunity to gain hands-on workplace experience at one of South Africa’s leading automotive manufacturers.
The programme is ideal for graduates who have completed a bachelor’s degree in engineering, logistics, supply chain, human resources, law, or business management and are looking to launch their careers in the manufacturing sector.
Application Closing Date: 08 August 2026
Programme Location: Silverton, Pretoria, Gauteng
Ford Young Professionals Programme 2026 Overview
| Programme Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Company | Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) |
| Programme | Young Professionals Programme – Manufacturing |
| Programme Duration | 12 Months |
| Location | Silverton, Pretoria, Gauteng |
| Employment Type | Full-Time Graduate Training Programme |
| Work Arrangement | On-site |
| Reference Number | 60237 |
| Closing Date | 08 August 2026 |
| Age Requirement | 18–35 Years |
About the Ford Young Professionals Programme
The Ford Young Professionals Programme is a structured graduate development programme that provides recent graduates with practical workplace exposure in a world-class automotive manufacturing environment.
Rather than moving directly into permanent employment, participants spend 12 months gaining industry experience through structured learning, mentorship, and real business projects.
The programme allows graduates to understand how one of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers operates while developing technical, professional, and leadership skills.
Fields of Study Accepted
Applications are invited from graduates who have completed a Bachelor’s Degree in one of the following fields:
Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
Logistics and Supply Chain
Graduates in Logistics and Supply Chain Management are encouraged to apply.
Human Resources
Applicants with Human Resources qualifications are eligible.
Law
Law graduates are welcome to apply.
Business Management
Graduates in Business Management may also apply.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens.
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Have successfully completed a Bachelor’s Degree in one of the listed fields.
- Have achieved a minimum academic average of 65%.
- Have completed all studies before applying.
Please Note: Applicants who are still studying or have not yet completed their qualification will not be considered.
Behavioural Competencies
Ford is looking for graduates who demonstrate the following qualities:
- Commitment to excellence
- Strong focus and initiative
- Ability to collaborate effectively
- Innovation
- Self-motivation
- Adaptability
- Goal-oriented mindset
- Strong teamwork skills
These qualities align with Ford’s core values of Excellence, Focus, and Collaboration.
Areas of Workplace Exposure
Depending on your field of study, participants may gain experience in areas such as:
Engineering
- Manufacturing operations
- Automation
- Robotics
- Production planning
- Quality assurance
- Process optimisation
- Continuous improvement
Logistics and Supply Chain
Exposure may include:
- Inventory management
- Production planning
- Procurement
- Warehousing
- Supplier management
- Lean manufacturing systems
Human Resources
Graduates may work in:
- Recruitment
- Talent management
- Employee relations
- Learning and development
- Organisational development
Law
Possible exposure includes:
Fresh listings:
- Labour relations
- Employment legislation
- Compliance
- Corporate governance
- Risk management
Business Management
Business graduates may gain experience in:
- Project coordination
- Operational planning
- Business improvement initiatives
- Business operations
Why Join Ford’s Graduate Programme?
Participants will have the opportunity to develop valuable skills in:
- Lean manufacturing
- Production management
- Engineering problem-solving
- Project management
- Quality management
- Continuous improvement
- Manufacturing operations
- Safety systems
- Data analysis
- Team collaboration
These skills are highly transferable across industries such as automotive, mining, logistics, FMCG, engineering, and advanced manufacturing.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must upload the following documents:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Matric Certificate
- University Academic Transcript
- Qualification Certificate
Ford recommends combining all documents into one PDF file if you experience difficulties uploading multiple documents.
Tips for a Strong Application
Before submitting your application:
- Tailor your CV to the position.
- Highlight final-year projects, research, or practical training.
- Include leadership roles, vacation work, or internships where applicable.
- Mention engineering software or technical skills relevant to your field.
- Ensure your academic transcript clearly shows your final average of at least 65%.
- Check that all uploaded documents are clear and easy to read.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications through the Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa online recruitment system before the closing date.
Your application must include:
- Updated CV
- South African ID
- Matric Certificate
- Academic Transcript
- Qualification Certificate
If you cannot upload multiple files separately, merge them into a single PDF document before submitting your application.
Application Closing Date
Closing Date: 08 August 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible to avoid delays or technical issues that may occur closer to the closing date.
Conclusion
The Ford South Africa Young Professionals Programme – Manufacturing 2026 is an excellent opportunity for graduates to gain valuable experience within one of the country’s leading automotive manufacturers. Through structured training, mentorship, and hands-on exposure, participants will develop practical skills that can open doors to long-term careers in engineering, manufacturing, logistics, human resources, law, and business management. If you meet the eligibility requirements and have achieved a minimum 65% academic average, don’t miss the opportunity to apply before 08 August 2026 and take the next step towards building a successful professional career.