Finding your first job after graduating is not always easy. Autodesk hopes to help new graduates bridge this gap with their First Step in Your Career initiative, created to support future engineers in the manufacturing sector.

This programme was piloted in Turkey in 2021 as a result of the high unemployment rates there. And this is why South Africa has been targeted for the 2022 roll-out. With high levels of unemployment specifically in the younger generations in both countries, many young graduates find it hard to break into their desired field of work and resort to taking up any paying job to make ends meet. The delay in starting their career also impacts their self-confidence in their skills and abilities and what they are able to offer an employer. At the same time employers highlight the discrepancy between what they are looking for and what graduates can offer.

Autodesk is passionate about helping students and industry bridge the gap between expectations and reality. Companies, and the industry, benefit when young, passionate graduates inject fresh talent and unique insights into the industry. But often these students aren’t given the tools or support to tackle this first step in their career confidently.

Through this initiative, Autodesk partners with industry professionals to provide practical support in the form of Fusion 360 Technical online training, interactive seminars, soft skill training (interview techniques and CV preparation) and 1:1 mentorship.

These professionals include Cindy Norcott, motivational speaker, author, entrepreneur, business coach and founder of The Robin Hood Foundation, Eric Mentjies, senior vice president engineering, DRA Global and Richard Hansen, managing member of Bolt Engineering.

The programme is aimed at those who graduated in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, electronic engineering, industrial design, manufacturing design, mechatronics design or aeronautical engineering or similar departments.

This initiative is open for registrations and the deadline for submissions is 24th June 2022.

“In this increasingly digital world, the nature of products, production and work is undeniably changing. Under the Autodesk’s future of manufacturing vision, we are helping companies to embrace the digital technologies that help them make better products and generate more value. Technology has a critical role to play but without people how can we ensure success? Today’s new graduate engineers are crucial for the future of manufacturing and investing them is equal to investing future.” – Murat Tuzum, Head of Manufacturing Industry EMEA Emerging, Autodesk

About Autodesk 

Autodesk is changing how the world is designed and made. Our technology spans architecture, engineering, construction, product design, manufacturing, media and entertainment, empowering innovators everywhere to solve challenges big and small. From greener buildings to smarter products to more mesmerizing blockbusters, Autodesk software helps our customers to design and make a better world for all. For more information visit http://www.autodesk.co.za/ or follow @autodesk.  

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SOURCE Autodesk, Inc 

Autodesk

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