CAR Engineering Challenge 2012 in association with Isuzu

The biggest career obstacle for aspiring automotive engineers is to find a job in the field after graduation. With this exciting competition, CAR and GM (Isuzu) will provide a platform for a suitable candidate to launch their career. The winner will join GM’s Graduate-In-Training Programme, running from March to December 2013, with the possibility of permanent employment after completion.

Engineering falls under the banner of Science and Technology and is on the list of critical skill shortages in South Africa. The goal of the competition is to raise awareness among secondary school learners and students about automotive-engineering opportunities in South Africa and inspire them to pursue a career in this field. The goal of the competition is to raise awareness among secondary school learners and students about automotive-engineering opportunities in South Africa and inspire them to pursue a career in this field.

The Prize

The winner will join GM’s Graduate-In-Training Programme, running from March to December 2013, with the possibility of permanent employment after completion. The candidate will be placed in the engineering department, which is located in Port Elizabeth, and they will receive a monthly salary (and, possibly, relocation assistance). The winner’s final-year project will also feature as a technical article in an issue of CAR magazine.

The Competition:

Engineering students enter by submitting their automotive or production related final-year project/thesis to CAR. A weeding process will narrow down the entries to three projects/theses. The final three contestants will present their projects to a panel of judges, which will appoint the winner based on the project’s innovation, technical excellence and relevance to the local automotive sector.

How to Enter:

Eligibility

All final-year (pre- or post-graduation studies) engineering students in the fields of mechanical, electrical, industrial or mechatronics who are set to graduate at the end of 2012.

Application and closing date:

Entries close on 16 November 2012.

More about the Graduate-In-Training Programme:

The programme was initiated in 1987 and is designed to meet specific organisational requirements and to provide graduates with valuable work experience. The rotational format of the programme ensures that the graduate is exposed to various disciplines in the automotive field so that they can decide where to further their career.

Programme objectives:

• To support GM South Africa's ongoing efforts to enhance organisational performance and provide employee-development opportunities;
• To introduce young, high-potential talent, with a strong equity focus, into the organisation to meet future headcount and skill requirements;
• Recruitment of new graduates with the aim of providing them with work experience in their field of study; and
• Investment in sustaining quality bench strength in GM’s human resources.

Programme delegate:

• University graduate (mechanical/electrical/industrial/ mechatronics engineering); and
• Possibility of permanent placement depends on availability of suitable vacancies and individual performance.

Programme format:

• Nine-month contract, commencing in March 2013;
• Rotational on-the-job training; mentoring; Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) Business School modules;
• Delegates graduate via NMMU’s Business School with a GM South Africa/NMMU certificate on completion of programme;
• The candidate will receive a monthly salary.

Terms and Conditions:

• This promotional competition is conducted by General Motors and CAR Magazine ("the Organisers”) and is open to residents of the Republic of South Africa.
• All entrants must be final year engineering students (pre- or post-graduation) and be set to graduate at the end of 2012. All entrants must also be citizens of
• South Africa and be in possession of a valid South African ID.
• The entrant hereby confirms that all data entered is true and correct and that the project is her/his own work and is not copied in any way.
• The entrant confirms that s/he is available to start the Graduate-In-Training Programme in March 2013.
• The entrant confirms s/he is able to relocate to GM in Port Elizabeth if s/he does not reside in the vicinity. Officers, employees and their immediate family and their advertising agencies, advisers, dealers and suppliers, their affiliates or associated companies are not eligible to participate.
• By entering this competition all participants and winners agree to be bound by these rules.
• The competition closes on 16 November and the winner shall be chosen thereafter at the Organisers’ discretion.
• The prizes are not transferable, nor can they be converted into cash.
• The number of entries per person is limited to one.
• After obtaining permission from the winners, the Organisers may require the winners (at no fee) to be identified and a photograph be taken and published in printed media, or to appear on radio or television, when accepting their prizes.
• By entering, all participants and winners agree to indemnify the Organisers, their advertising agencies, advisers, nominated agents and suppliers, their affiliates or associated companies against any and all claims arising howsoever (including wilful misconduct, negligent act or omission) from their participation in any way howsoever in this competition.
• In the event of any dispute over the interpretation of these rules, the Organisers’ decision will be final and binding.No correspondence will be entered into.

To apply online, click here.