Karabo Mtsweni's journey into the world of STEM began with a curious mind and a seventh-grade technology project. Attempting to construct a stadium without any engineering or architectural knowledge sparked her interest in understanding intricate connections. This curiosity fuelled her passion for STEM and technology, further encouraged by a high school excursion to a science centre in Johannesburg.

In 2022, she graduated with a BEng Tech, ready to tackle the minerals and manufacturing industry. Her journey with the Youth Employment Service (YES) programme began at Adient PPC, where she joined as a Quality Assurance Intern. Relocating to a new province and being exposed to a different career field was a life-changing experience. While the automotive industry was not initially on her radar, she discovered the fascinating intersection between metallurgy and automotive engineering at Adient.

Since completing the YES programme, Mtsweni has joined the engineering team as a Process Engineer, working under senior Advanced Manufacturing Engineers (AMEs) and a Project Manager. She has been involved in exciting new projects and jig designs, contributing significantly to process optimisation and cost reduction.

One of her notable achievements was optimising the grease application process on an assembly line, which improved product quality and reduced costs.

As a Process Engineer, Mtsweni's role involves implementing world-class systems and managing operational excellence to ensure operational performance in terms of both output and efficiency. She supports and optimises plant performance and customer requirements through effective production, engineering, and distribution of resources and projects.

This exposure has given Mtsweni a broad perspective on the automotive industry and the numerous opportunities it offers. The automotive sector remains an important part of the Eastern Cape economy, contributing significantly to regional and national economic growth, employment, and poverty alleviation.

Being part of the YES programme prepared Mtsweni for the professional world. Regular check-ins and one-on-one meetings with her training officer helped her navigate a myriad of challenges. Seeing the success of different alumni also motivated her to push harder. The YES modules were not only exciting but also helped her with self-identification, providing new insights into individuality, independence, and equality.

Mtsweni's story underscores the importance of continuous learning, resilience, and the kopportunities provided by structured support systems such as those offered by YES in achieving success in the STEM and manufacturing industries.