Young men seize the day with ‘Men in the Making’!

Tracker and Metro FM’s inaugural ‘Men in the Making’ initiative was held today (March 26, 2009) and has proved to be a resounding success, with companies from around South Africa taking part.

Top organisations and household names such as Murray & Roberts, SA Express, SABC, Rand Merchant Bank, FNB, Momentum, Petro SA, SARS, Gallo Records and ABI opened their doors to groups of high school learners, primarily from disadvantaged communities, and provided them with not only a ‘real life’ glimpse into the working world, but exposed them to mentoring, career guidance and support opportunities as well.

“We are extremely thankful to the many companies around the country who supported this worthy initiative,” says Koos Radebe, Tracker’s CSI and Communications Director. “Importantly, all the companies involved fully embraced the idea behind Men in the Making, creating programmes for the day which not only offered these youngsters insights into a number of different industries and careers, but also served to inspire and entertain them.”

Endorsed by the National Department of Education, Men in the Making challenges South Africa’s adolescent boys to improve their school performance and to set themselves positive personal goals by physically exposing them to the many rewarding career opportunities available to them in South Africa.

South African companies open their doors
Murray & Roberts and the UCW Partnership in Nigel welcomed a team of boys with presentations from different departments and disciplines within the company before they were whisked off on a tour of their assembly plant where various trains (including the Gautrain) are being assembled. This was followed by “career shadowing” in areas such as finance, engineering and design.

A group of aspiring pilots and youngsters keen on a career in the airline industry spent an exciting day at SA Express, where they were addressed by both senior and cadet pilots, taken on actual flights and were even exposed to the thrill of flying in a flight simulator. The young men were also given a glimpse into the administrative side of SA Express and spent time with various Executive Committee members as well as managers from the financial, technical, flight operations and commercial departments.

Soft drink giant, ABI, introduced their audience of teenage boys to the large variety of career opportunities that exist within a manufacturing environment, including artisans, maintenance planners, unit managers and quality assurance. Their day ended on a serious note with a sobering presentation on HIV/AIDS.

Metro FM DJ, Wilson B. Nkosi, and South African boxing legend, Baby Jake Matlala, participated in Tracker’s Men in the Making day by addressing a group of 35 youngsters at a venue just outside Tracker’s Head Office in Johannesburg. They spoke to the boys about the importance of courage and self-belief, encouraging them to believe that a successful future is within their reach. Continuing along the theme of personal empowerment, Timothy Webster, a thought leader on personal branding and innovation, spoke to the boys about the power and importance of personal branding. This talk was followed by an informative presentation by Love Life. The empowerment theme was complemented by a practical overview of Tracker’s business, where the boys were able to tour the different departments. Tracker’s CEO, Alan Hutcheson, also addressed the young men, presenting them with Certificates of Achievement at the end of the day.

Metro FM hosted a number of youngsters at the SABC, exposing them to a wide variety of careers within the exciting world of broadcasting.

“Men in the Making is about introducing youngsters to the many career opportunities available to them,” explains Tracker’s Koos Radebe. “But it is also about inspiring them, and letting them know that they do have control over their futures - teaching them about good personal habits which eventually translate into success.”

Launched earlier this month, Men in the Making is an annual event which aims to help teenagers (between Grades 9 and 12 specifically) understand the value of their education, challenging them to overcome their obstacles and work towards becoming productive adult citizens of our country. Moving forward, the event will always take place during the last week of March.

An ongoing initiative
“To ensure the healthy development of South Africa’s adolescent boys, we need to ensure that they are not left out of the equation and are given the guidance and support that they so desperately need,” says Radebe. Tracker has encouraged all participating companies to extend and enrich their individual programmes to provide these youngsters with ongoing support and mentoring throughout the year.

“Young men often turn to the fantasy world of video games, Internet, movies and pop culture icons looking for role models - and often these sources promote inappropriate ideals. Men in the Making introduces South Africa’s boys to role models of substance, real people and organisations that can make a positive impact in their lives. Often a small gesture, as simple as a visit to a company, can spark a burning ambition in a young person. We want these young men to yearn for a better future. This is so much more than just a career day,” concludes Radebe.

Tracker would like to thank all the many companies for getting involved, the various schools and teachers that have participated, as well as Metro FM and the Department of Education, and all the learners who have embraced Men in the Making.

Pictured 1
High School learners from Magaliesberg Secondary School on a tour of the construction work being done at Ellis Park in preparation for the Soccer World Cup 2010. The tour was arranged by the City of Johannesburg and Ellis Park World of Sport for learners who are interested in pursuing a career in engineering.

Pictured 2
Tracy Fraser, General Manager of Marketing and A&R for Gallo (back, second from left) hosts learners interested in a career in the music industry at their premises in Braamfontein. The learners are: Tshegetsang Tabane from Voortrekkerhoogte (back left), Siyabonga Tshabalala of Phefeni Senior Secondary School (back, second from right), Refentse Chauke of Oakfields College (front, second from left) and Mewakhe Radebe from Jeppe High School (front, second from right). Gallo's Vanessa Chengapar (front right) and Duncan Shelwell (front left) were part of the team that hosted the learners.