Volkswagen Chattanooga Expands Skills Initiative
Volkswagen Academy Also Certified by German Chambers of Commerce
Chattanooga, Tenn., August 13, 2014 /3BL Media/ — Volkswagen Group of America, Chattanooga Operations, LLC (Volkswagen Chattanooga) celebrated its second class to graduate from the Volkswagen Academy’s three-year Automation Mechatronics Program (AMP) today in a ceremony that highlighted the German ‘dual education’ system.
Volkswagen also announced the creation of the Engineering Specialist Training program, which targets candidates who have already earned their Bachelor’s degree. They would then receive a concentrated 18-month program that highlights the same hands-on experience of the mechatronics training coupled with three months of international experience at Volkswagen’s headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany.
“Volkswagen Chattanooga put this program in place to play an active part in developing the skilled workforce here in Hamilton County. We believe these skills are important because they support jobs that add value to the economy,” said Christian Koch, President and CEO of Volkswagen Chattanooga.
A dual education system combines vocational classroom education and paid on-the-job training in one course. Students receive hands-on-training in mechanical systems, electricity, electronics, machining, welding and automated systems among other disciplines.
“Through these programs, Volkswagen Chattanooga is thinking globally and acting locally,” said Sebastian Patta, EVP Human Resources. “Why import talent, when we can develop it here and create a lasting impact on the economy? We are committed to training our local workforce with the most advanced technical skills specific to our developing business needs,” Patta said.
After being the first company to be certified by the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) and the German American Chambers of Commerce (AHK USA) for the Automation Mechatronics Program in 2013, the Volkswagen Academy will be receiving another certificate in 2014 for outstanding performance and is now recognized as an educational institute by the German American Chamber of Commerce.
The certificate acknowledges companies training according to the German standards in the highest category defined by the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) in Berlin.
“Volkswagen’s Automation Mechatronics program is an exceptional example of what a vocational training program in the U.S. can be,” said Martina Stellmaszek, President and CEO, German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern U.S., Inc. “The continued success of this program and its graduates is directly tied to Volkswagen’s ongoing partnership with local colleges throughout Tennessee. Vocational training programs like Volkswagen’s, are graduating candidates who are well-trained, prepared and have the skills needed to perform the job.”
Volkswagen Chattanooga partners with Chattanooga State Community College to implement the Automation Mechatronics Program in the cutting edge 163,000 sq. ft. Volkswagen Academy.
For more information or to enroll in the Volkswagen Academy, please visit: http://www.chattanoogastate.edu/engineering-technology/partnerships/vw-academy/
About Volkswagen Chattanooga
Volkswagen has invested $1 billion in the local economy for the Chattanooga plant and has created more than 5,000 jobs in the region. According to independent studies, the Volkswagen plant is expected to generate $12 billion in income growth and an additional 9,500 jobs related to its investment. The Chattanooga manufacturing facility builds the all-new Passat Sedan, specifically designed for the North American market and winner of the Motor Trend magazine 2012 Car of the Year award. Volkswagen Chattanooga is the first and still only car factory worldwide with a LEED Platinum certification. It is also certified according to ISO 14001 for its environmental management system and according to ISO 50001 for its energy management system. In July 2014, it was announced that Volkswagen Chattanooga will build an all-new 7-seat, midsize SUV designed for the North American market with an additional investment of $900 million.
