In introducing the “mobile learning” concept, Audi is not only promoting individual responsibility and creativity among young people, but is also focusing very specifically on IT and media competence. Apprentices can access a knowledge base when they need it, independent of time or place. Learning occurs individually or in small learning groups – networked internationally and independent of their locations. The pilot phase of the project has already shown that the new concept boosts motivation and learning success among apprentices. “We are taking entirely new approaches with these highly advanced, efficient and exciting learning and teaching methods. Today we are already building up our human resource foundations for the digital future,” says Thomas Sigi, Board Member for Human Resources and Labor Director at AUDI AG. “We will be systematically expanding this type of Vocational Training 2.0 for ‘Generation Z’.”
504 young people will begin their careers at the company’s headquarters in Ingolstadt, and 248 will start at the Neckarsulm production location. The majority of the new apprentices, a total of 704 young people, are learning a commercial or technical trade. 48 new employees are participating in commercial training. The share of women continues to grow, and this year it is 30 percent. In addition, 21 high school graduates are starting work in Ingolstadt as part of the StEP (“Study and Experience in Practice”) program. Within five years, they will have completed their career training and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in engineering at the Technical University of Ingolstadt. In Neckarsulm, 18 young people are starting a dual Bachelor’s program, in which they alternate between theoretical classwork at the Baden‑Württemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW) and phases of work practice at Audi.
Peter Mosch, Chairman of the General Works Council of AUDI AG, says: “Our new apprentices are crucial to our future. Especially in these times of digitalization, it is important to give our young people new knowledge and skills for their career paths, so that our colleagues of the future will be able to control the machines rather than the other way around.”
A total of around 10,000 young people applied for apprenticeships at Audi this year. “We are pleased with the high number of applicants; it shows the attractiveness of training at Audi,” says Dieter Omert, Head of Vocational Training and Specialist Competence Development. “We are continually adapting our latest training methods to future requirements, so that we can prepare young people in the best possible way for their careers.” Audi guarantees all apprentices full‑time employment after successfully completing their examinations.
Starting in 2016, Audi will be increasing the number of apprenticeship positions at its German production sites by around 10.5 percent. The company is seeking additional young employees, especially in the vocational areas of mechatronics, IT and body and vehicle manufacturing. Last minute applicants can still apply for the 2016 training year. The application deadline for the Neckarsulm site is on September 13, and for Ingolstadt it is September 25. Applications can be submitted online at: www.audi.de/ausbildung.