Training and professional development
At Volkswagen, our capacity for innovation and our competitive position largely depend on the commitment and knowledge of our employees, particularly during the transformation.
Volkswagen Group employees have access to a wide range of training measures organized according to vocational groups. These comprise all employees whose tasks are based on similar technical skills and who require related expertise in order to perform their jobs. A skills profile lays down the specialist and interdisciplinary skills for each job and serves as a guide for training measures. Formats range from further training in general Company-related topics to specific training or personal development programs. Thanks to these opportunities, Volkswagen employees are able to further develop and steadily deepen their knowledge throughout their working lives. The range of learning opportunities is being expanded continuously.
Degreed, the innovative learning platform that we have implemented, opens up diverse training opportunities for our employees. The platform creates a simple, customized learning experience and is aimed at supporting the results of strategic HR planning with appropriate training programs. Another focus is developing important and specific skills, for example in areas such as data analytics, software development, leadership, machine learning and artificial intelligence. In addition, Volkswagen’s Faculty 73 program is providing in-house training for the software developers who are needed for the digital transformation. The graduates from this program largely work in departments at Group and brand IT, Technical Development and CARIAD. In 2022, 200 students embarked on the training program, which is now in its fourth year. The program is designed for employees and also external applicants with an affinity for IT and an interest in software development.
Volkswagen AG, CARIAD and ŠKODA are also supporting the establishment and operation of innovative programming schools in Wolfsburg, Berlin and Prague in cooperation with the non-profit École 42. The training institutes have so far accepted over 400 students, who learn from and with each other following an innovative training approach.
Vocational training and cooperative education
The core components of training at Volkswagen are vocational training and cooperative education (dual study programs combining university studies with on-the-job training). As of the end of 2022, the Volkswagen Group trained 16,590 young people. We have introduced the principle of dual vocational training at many of the Group’s international locations over the past few years and are continuously working on improvements. Once a year, Volkswagen honors its highest-achieving vocational trainees in the Group with the Best Apprentice Award. Even after their vocational training has been completed, young people at the start of their careers are encouraged to continue their professional development in our Company.
Development of university graduates
Volkswagen offers two structured entry and development programs for university graduates and young professionals. In the StartUp Direct trainee program, graduate trainees gain an overview of the Company while working in their own department and also take part in supplementary training measures. University graduates interested in working internationally can participate in the StartUp Cross program. The aim here is to get to know the Company in all its diversity and to build up a broad network. During their participation in the program, young professionals become familiarized with several locations in Germany and other countries by working in various departments. Both programs also include several weeks’ experience working in production.