ABB’s lifeline to unemployed graduate

Third Quarter 2022 News & events

When a kind stranger took a photograph of Momelezi Sifumba standing at a busy roadside with a cardboard sign stating: ‘Help Me to Find a Job’ and posted it on LinkedIn, little did the unemployed graduate know it would catch the attention of Graham Abrahams, senior vice president at ABB, who would change the course of the young man’s life. Having graduated with a BTech in Electrical Engineering in 2018, Sifumba was unable to find employment, even after knocking on the doors of many companies. “Despite the constant rejection, I still had a hunger for success, knowing all I needed was an opportunity to prove myself,” he says. It was this determination and self-belief that resulted in his decision to stand by the roadside with a placard. Abrahams comments: “Business has a responsibility to help develop our youth. Sifumba overcame many challenges to get his education, and ABB will ensure he has the opportunity to complete his practical experience and qualify fully as an engineer.”

He is employed as a graduate apprentice in the Electrification business area. With a bright future suddenly in front of him, he says there is nothing to stop him from aspiring to a team leader or management role. One day he will be able to mentor other unemployed youth. ABB’s communications and marketing manager, Busisiwe Molefe says that this inspiring story speaks to the spirit of Nelson Mandela Day, where we are called upon to reflect on how best to effect the change we want to see around us. Since 2020, 60 graduates have been permanently employed at ABB, and 80% of the candidates from the company’s training programmes have found gainful employment.

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