Two second year NMMU students, Mathew Bussy and Thembile Nqari have been chosen as the first recipients of local tyre company Goodyear’s ‘Spirit of Innovation’ Scholarship program.
This new scholarship programme supports the company’s investment in the education and recruitment of talented people and also provides students with financial assistance and practical experience.
Carla McIntosh, Goodyear Group Human Resources Development Manager, said that the ‘Spirit of Innovation’ Scholarship is one way in which the tyre company recruits talent for the organisation.
“In response to critical needs in industry, the sponsorship assists two top students per year in the respective fields of engineering and business management studies. Our first bright recipients are Thembile Nqari and Matthew Bussy, both second year students at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU).”
Between semesters, the young men spend time at Goodyear gaining invaluable practical experience in their relevant fields. Nqari, who matriculated from Cowan High School in New Brighton, is studying towards a Diploma in Logistics Management, while Bussy, an ex-pupil of St Dominic’s Priory, is working towards a B Eng in Mechatronics.
“My course is very theoretical. What you learn on paper and in lectures is very different when you actually see it in practice in the factory,” said Bussy.
“It’s a big eye-opener,” Nqari agreed. “The theory of supply chain comes to life when you see people using it in real business situations.”
In addition to the sponsorship, Goodyear’s People Development Division also encourages various development opportunities for its employees.
“Our aim is to develop, retain and motivate. We are guided by the 70/20/10 principle: 70% learning on-the-job, 20% learning through mentoring and 10% learning in the classroom. Over and above this, we have also partnered with local and national training providers to deliver key industry and management skills,” said Carla.
“In order to recruit talent, we have implemented various learner programmes that serve as ‘skill pipelines’ into the organisation. Our Graduate-in-Training programme, Tyre Assembly Skills programme, Experiential Learner programme and various apprenticeships all provide us with top talent. They provide vital development opportunities for those within Goodyear as well as in the community.”
NMMU students Matthew Bussy (middle) and Thembile Nqari are the first recipients of Goodyear’s ‘Spirit of Innovation’ scholarship, facilitated by Carla McIntosh, Goodyear Group Human Resources Development Manager standing on the left.
