VW Group kick-starts graduate trainee program for Southern Europe

Young engineering graduates from Spain and Portugal are now being offered the prospective of trained employment by the Volkswagen Group under the company’s recently-launched ‘StartUp’ trainee program.

“Even with good qualifications, many young people in Southern Europe have problems with entering a career in their home country. Our program offers good prospects, with the possibility of permanent employment following two years of training. Volkswagen is growing strongly throughout the world and is therefore highly interested in young people who have gained international experience at an early stage,” says Dr　Horst Neumann, Board member of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft responsible for Human Resources.

The ‘StartUp Europe’ trainee program had just started in summer. Successful applicants will initially be employed for two years with the prospect of permanent employment upon completion. In the first two months, they will work in the appropriate subsidiary in Spain or Portugal, followed by up to 21 months with a Group company in Germany.

The two-year program also includes seminars, language courses, dialog with trainees and support by mentors. The current intake has vacancies for 43 positions, with 13 having already reported for duty. The company is currently processing the applications of some 1,800 applicants jostling for the remaining 30 seats in the program. The later entries will start in October and November.

KON