Top Hyundai Accelerate scholars join South Korea immersion training
Hyundai Motor Philippines Inc. (HMPH) sent its best-performing “Hyundai Accelerate” scholars on a five-day trip to South Korea for specialized training, sponsored by Hyundai Motor Company.
Hyundai Accelerate is the carmaker’s pilot educational program, conducted in cooperation with Don Bosco Technical Institute, Pasig City, Quezon City, and the Department of Education Taguig City and Pateros.
This year, 40 scholars were chosen for an eight-month, classroom-based practical course, followed by four months of on-the-job training at Hyundai Service Centers in Metro Manila.
This included training in basic vehicle inspection, diagnosis and repair.
Following the classroom courses, the program’s top nine students were sent to the Hyundai Global Learning Center (GLC) in Cheonan last Sept. 2 to 6, where they were given hands-on training in basic electric-vehicle (EV) safety and advanced driver-assistance systems technology.
They included Junje Aga Ganotice of Hyundai Quezon Avenue; Bensar Ali Mindo, Jefer Jay Oboy, and Raheem Jebrael Lasola of Hyundai Shaw; Rovielyn Gutierrez and Mar Janlouie Hernandez of Hyundai Commonwealth; Rhaquim Nuhj Musa of Hyundai Alabang; Kenneth Samortin of Hyundai Cainta; and John Michael Niegas of Hyundai E. Rodriguez.
The students were led by their school adviser Jeffrey Andrada and HMPH Technical Trainer Primo Franco Lanorio. Hernandez said he was greatly inspired by the trip, especially to the Hyundai GLC.
“It was our first time traveling to another country and it was my first time studying cars,” he said. “I realized that there were still a lot of things I don’t know about the field. But in the short period of time we spent in GLC, I learned a lot about the automotive industry.”
Meanwhile, Gutierrez said the immersion program was very memorable, especially since it was her first time handling EVs.
“I was very intrigued by the advanced technology and it encouraged me to further study EVs,” she said. “I see myself working as an automotive mechanic and pursuing my studies in the automotive industry especially since I have been studying this since high school.”
HMPH managing director Cecil Capacete said the South Korean carmaker hopes to empower future Filipino automotive technicians through Hyundai Accelerate.
“We believe this program represents our vision, which is ‘Progress for Humanity,’ as well as our commitment to shaping the next generation of skilled automotive professionals in the Philippines,” he said in a press statement.
“We are confident that this program will equip our students with the skills to set them apart in the field,” Capacete added. “As we bridge the gap between the automotive industry and education, HMPH is thrilled to be a partner for Filipinos, be it on the road or in the classroom.”
The inaugural batch of Hyundai Accelerate scholars will graduate in November 2024. HMPH said it intends to continue the program and select its second batch of scholars in the following school year.
