Throughout the world and including all years of training, Volkswagen is now training some 20,000 young women and men – more than ever before. 12,700 apprentices are completing their vocational training in Germany. About 7,300 young people are receiving their training at Group facilities in other countries. This figure includes about 2,000 young people from cooperating institutions in China, Portugal, Hungary, the USA and Belgium. This year alone, Volkswagen has recruited more than 6,000 apprentices.
Dr. Horst Neumann, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft responsible for Human Resources, said: “Excellent vocational training provides a sound basis for a top team. We can only make the best cars with employees who are outstandingly well trained. Throughout the world, apprentices are acquiring high levels of specialist competence with Volkswagen because we ensure a close connection between theory and practice in the dual training system. Our apprentices therefore have the best prospects for a successful future in their vocation.”
The Chairman of the General and Group Works Council, Bernd Osterloh, emphasized: “Young colleagues with outstanding qualifications are a key prerequisite for the future success of Volkswagen. At the same time, the Group is shouldering its social responsibility. Good training is the best foundation for secure employment.”
The 20,000 young people are completing their training with Volkswagen in more than 50 vocations. Training is provided within 36 vocational families within which Volkswagen pools related skills.
The most coveted apprenticeships for young people are in the metalworking and electrical field (e.g. industrial mechanic), in the vehicle field (e.g. vehicle mechatronics technician) and in toolmaking (e.g. metal cutting mechanic). About 2,300 young women and men (almost one in eight apprentices) are engaged in a dual course of studies. At the same time as their vocational training, they are enrolled with a renowned university and are therefore working towards two recognized qualifications.
The Volkswagen Group offers dual vocational training, which combines practical work with classroom instruction, at more than 40 locations throughout the world. The plants which provide training of this type outside Germany include facilities in Russia, the USA, Brazil and China.