Job training based on the German model
A crucial component of the “talent pipeline” is the high school “Mechatronics Academy” on the factory premises. Here, eight state teachers teach grades 11 and 12. In addition, ten instructors from VW also teach the students technical knowledge and practical skills – the tools they need for a subsequent two-year training programme at Volkswagen Chattanooga. The students can apply for the apprenticeship with their school-leaving certificate in their pockets. “This is unique, there is nothing else like it here,” says Ilker Subasi, Head of Training at the Volkswagen Academy.
"With our on-the-job training, we are establishing long-term employee loyalty."Ilker Subasi, Head of Training at the Volkswagen Academy
Dual training was also introduced when the plant opened in 2011. The apprenticeship, which is divided into school-based and practical phases according to the German model, was a novelty – and is still an unusual concept for the United States. In the USA, an “apprenticeship fee” paid by the trainees to the company is still common, Subasi reports. Not the case at the car plant: here, apprentices receive a salary. “With us, no one needs a second job to finance their vocational training. Americans think that’s really cool. And at the same time, it creates a long-term bond.”
New technologies, new knowledge
So far, the US models VW Atlas, VW Atlas Cross and VW Passat have been assembled in Chattanooga. At the beginning of 2022, assembly of the Passat was phased out, and in July that of the all-electric ID.4 began. There was also a great deal of interest among the core workforce in switching to battery production or to the assembly of the ID.4.