Chattanooga Pulse

Volkswagen Group of America Chattanooga Operations, LLC announced Friday that the company is ready to begin accepting applications for production team members at its Tennessee manufacturing facility beginning of October 26, 2009.

This application process is specific to the production positions which will produce Volkswagen’s new mid-sized sedan. These team members will assemble automotive parts and operate tools and equipment in a fast-paced, high-tech production environment.

Beginning Monday, October 26, at 7:30 a.m., applicants interested in production positions may apply online at the web site www.VWJobsChattanooga.com. Applicants may access the web site from any computer with internet access. If they do not have access to a computer, they can visit any Tennessee Career Center to complete the online application, including:

Chattanooga Tennessee Career Center
5600 Brainerd Road, Suite A-5
Chattanooga, TN 37411

Tennessee Career Center in Athens
410 Congress Parkway
Athens, TN 37303

Application support will also be available at Chattanooga State Technical Community College locations in Chattanooga, Dayton, Kimball and Sequatchie/Bledsoe as well as Cleveland State Community College, Tennessee Technology Center, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

The application window will remain open through November 15, 2009, at which time it will close. Beginning in November and continuing through 2010, Volkswagen will select candidates to move to the assessment process, including practical hands-on testing.

“We are looking for capable, local people who can work together in a team environment to build our cars safely and with the highest quality,” said Hans-Herbert Jagla, Executive Vice President of Human Resources, Volkswagen Group of America Chattanooga Operations, LLC. “These production team members will make up the majority of our 2,000-plus workforce here in Chattanooga and are the key to the successful launch of our new plant.”

Applicants for production positions must be 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED, and have legal authorization to work in the U.S.

Volkswagen plans to hire approximately 1,200 production team members. Initial hiring begins in first quarter of 2010. Starting wages will be $14.50 per hour, gradually increasing to $19.50 per hour after 36 months. Team members will also be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including medical and dental plans, life insurance and retirement savings.

“Because we anticipate there will be a great deal of interest in these positions, it’s important to note that there is no advantage to applying on the first day or in person,” said Ryan Rose, General Manager of Human Resources for the Chattanooga Operations. “All applicants who complete their application during the 3-week period will be given equal consideration.”

Added Jagla, “We continue to make progress towards our planned launch in 2011 and now we are ready and excited to start the hiring and training of our local production team members.”