For those with ambitions to become a mechanic, or for those continuing their studies to become engineers: there is a better chance to enter into the job market. Now, thanks to FPT Industrial, these dreams can become reality for the kids in Ennerdale, a popular neighborhood in Johannesburg, South Africa.

This is possible through TechPro², a project supported by CNH Industrial and main sponsorship partner FPT Industrial. The initiative is comprised of a technical training program dedicated to young people, with the aim of preparing highly qualified staff to be involved in the automotive industry. Created in 2008, TechPro² is also supported by the "Salesians works Worldwide" and it has grown exponentially during the past years, gathering new formation centers in several countries.

We asked Marco Piazza, FPT Industrial Sales Manager for Africa and Middle East, what this project means for FPT Industrial.
"It was a very intense experience because we had the chance to see the real conditions of this region of South Africa. Ennerdale is a place where degradation can be noticed at every step. The commitment of the Salesian Community is very important: they not only help the kids, but also prepare them from both a school and professional point of view. That's why FPT Industrial wanted to start this collaboration, being sure of benefits it will produce for these people".

What is the aim of TechPro²?
Pull these kids off the street and put them in a school setting that gives them a structure: the 300 children and teenagers (aged 4 to 16) housed within the mission study six hours per day (from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Besides classes, there are many professional courses, such as cooking, cutting and sewing, computer science, that give them more skills that can be useful for the job market".

How do the kids involved in the project face the job market?
They surely have more opportunities than their peers, and not only with the FPT Industrial dealers, but also in the other sectors and companies of the business world. Similar initiatives were launched in Ethiopia together with CNH Industrial and the results we achieved were impressive: 100% of the graduates are employed, in the plant where vehicles are assembled. We hope to achieve the same results here in South Africa".

FPT Industrial has provided engines for both Power Generation and on-road applications to the project, and has also developed an on-line training program to provide basic knowledge on these engines. The course is taught by an on-site teacher, and lasts one year, at the end of which attendees will receive a special "diploma" recognized by the South African government. In order to facilitate their entry into the workforce, participants in the TechPro² project will also do internships at local FPT Industrial retailers.