Hyundai paves the way for future

By Sarafina Sanerivi 18 October 2016, 12:00AM

When one door closes, another one opens. 

That’s precisely the case for the five students who spent five weeks at the Hyundai Service Center at Vaitele for working experience.

Last week, a ceremony was held to congratulate the young men for completing the training.

The programme is part of an ongoing service by Hyundai, which started in 2003. 

This year, five students, two from Uesiliana Vocational Institute in Savaii and three from Laumua o Punaoa spent five weeks at Hyundai.

The Director of Hyundai Automotive Samoa, Joshua Newton said this was an opportunity for the studenst to further their knowledge.

“This is a very positive training and the outcomes are positive as well,” said Mr. Newton. “It also allows them to experience what they are working towards and what they are going to do when they actually get to work after school. This is a great opportunity for them to see what their life is going to be after school. And they’ve really enjoyed the five weeks they spent here at Hyundai. 

“Of course this is a very busy service center and we have like 10-15 jobs every single day coming through them every day and its good training for them.”

Mr. Newton said they were pleased to help the students.

“We are always happy to have them on board with us and share with them the knowledge and skills needed for them to grow.

“It’s a part of an ongoing service by Hyundai to the mechanical sector here in Samoa to keep training these students and hope that we can employ them later on. 

“We’ve been doing this since 2003. In 2003, we had boys from Don Bosco and Polytechnic which is no called Institute of Technology (I.O.T).

 “This is also part of their curriculum for them to have training and work experience with not only us but also other companies as well.”

He went on to say that this is the first time they’ve had students from Savai’i for this programme. 

“It’s a good starting block for these students. As you know with anything in life, you always have to start somewhere, and this is a good start for them and stepping stone to their future and for them to further their education in the technical field.”

Tui Meki. one of the participants from the Laumua o Punaoa vocational center, told the Samoa Observer he learnt a lot.

“Practical is different from theory,” said Tui. “And being here at Hyundai has taught me a lot of things about mechanics and I love it. 

“It was hard at first, but on the second week, I started to pick up real quick and was getting used to it. “There was a lot of work to do and it was always busy. And at times, it was hard and I felt like it was too much, but then I saw that this was a great opportunity for me to learn as much as I can so I can be prepared for the future. “I am very grateful for the opportunity and for all the knowledge I have learned from the crew here at Hyundai. 

“And I also want to thank them for welcoming us and making us feel at home. I appreciate everything, and I hope to come back here and work after school.”

The Hyundai team also hosted a farewell lunch for the boys. 

By Sarafina Sanerivi 18 October 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>