Ford Motor Company has officially opened applications for its Young Professionals Programme 2026, offering South African graduates a structured 12-month opportunity to gain meaningful workplace experience within a global automotive organisation.
This programme is designed to support graduates as they transition from academic study into professional employment. Through hands-on exposure, mentorship, and practical training, participants are equipped with real-world skills that build a strong foundation for long-term career growth in the automotive and manufacturing industries.
The programme will be based in Pretoria, Gauteng, and is highly competitive due to the quality of training and industry exposure it provides.
About Ford Motor Company
Founded in 1903, Ford Motor Company is one of the world’s most established and recognisable automotive manufacturers. The company produces a wide range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, SUVs, and commercial vehicles, serving markets across the globe.
Ford is widely respected for its innovation in engineering, manufacturing processes, and mobility solutions. In recent years, the company has continued to invest heavily in electrification, smart mobility, and connected vehicle technologies. In South Africa, Ford remains a key player in the automotive value chain, making its graduate development programmes particularly valuable for young professionals entering the industry.
Available Young Professionals Programme Streams
Ford is recruiting graduates for two specialised Young Professionals streams in 2026, each aligned to critical business functions within the organisation.
FCSD Parts Supply – Young Professionals Programme
This stream focuses on parts supply and supply chain operations within Ford’s automotive environment.
Qualification Requirements
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in one of the following fields:
- Logistics
- Supply Chain Management
- Industrial Engineering
This programme is well suited to graduates who are interested in automotive logistics, parts distribution, supply chain optimisation, and manufacturing support systems.
Finance – Young Professionals Programme
The Finance stream places graduates within Ford’s financial operations, where accuracy, analysis, and strategic thinking are essential.
Qualification Requirements
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in:
- Finance
- Accounting
- Or a closely related financial field
This stream is ideal for graduates who want to pursue careers in financial analysis, corporate finance, management accounting, or financial operations within a large manufacturing organisation.
Selection Criteria and Eligibility
To be considered for the Ford Young Professionals Programme 2026, applicants must meet all of the following requirements.
Applicants must have successfully completed a relevant Bachelor’s Degree and achieved an overall academic average of 65 percent or higher. Candidates who are still studying or awaiting final results will not be considered.
Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 35 years. Only graduates who meet both the academic and age requirements will be shortlisted for further assessment.
Why the Ford Young Professionals Programme Matters
From an employability perspective, this programme offers graduates a significant advantage in the job market. Participants gain exposure to a global automotive organisation while developing practical skills through real business operations.
Graduates benefit from professional mentoring, workplace coaching, and structured development aligned with industry standards. The experience gained through this programme strengthens career credibility and opens pathways into permanent roles within manufacturing, logistics, finance, and related sectors.
Important Notes for Applicants
Applicants are encouraged to apply only for the programme that aligns with their qualification. Academic results must clearly reflect a minimum average of 65 percent. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered under any circumstances.
Click here to apply for the FCSD Parts Supply – Young Professionals Programme 2026
Click here to apply for the Finance – Young Professionals Programme 2026
Applications must be submitted before the closing date of 16 January 2026.
Conclusion
The Ford Young Professionals Programme 2026 offers more than just workplace exposure. It provides graduates with the opportunity to learn within a globally respected automotive company while building practical skills that translate directly into long-term career opportunities.
For South African graduates who are ready to move beyond theory and into real-world professional environments, this programme represents a valuable stepping stone into the automotive and manufacturing industries.
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