Audi apprenticeships to focus on electric mobility, digitalisation

By training its own next generation of employees to a high standard, the company ensures the long-term competitiveness of its sites in Germany. The focus is increasingly on electric mobility and digitalisation.

This means that all future automotive mechatronic technicians learn how to handle high-voltage technology and networked systems in the car right from the training stage. The job requires special knowledge: protective measures for high-voltage technology, an understanding of the most varied driver assistance systems and the analysis of data protocols.

The first IT specialists in the field of systems integration also gained their qualifications at Audi in the summer of 2018. An additional qualification as an electrician is part of the course, because they do not work on PCs, but together with the mechatronic technicians in the digitalised environment of automotive production. IT knowledge and the handling of highly automated production systems form the basis for this.

The dual courses of study also feature a growing electric content: In this training year, the dual course of study in mechatronics in cooperation with the Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW) starts with the subject of electric mobility. The students undergo the practical part of their studies at the Audi plant in Neckarsulm, which is the main centre for the development of fuel cells within the Volkswagen Group. After successfully completing their course, most of the graduates will work in that field in Neckarsulm. A new course of study offered by the DHBW program is electrical engineering specializing in energy and the environment. Participants in this dual course of study are preparing for an assignment in the field of energy supply at the Neckarsulm plant.

“The automobile industry is radically changing; new technologies require new competencies. That’s why we are already training young people specifically for our strategic fields of the future,” said Dieter Omert, head of vocational training and professional competence development at AUDI AG. “Rapid developments in areas such as electric mobility and digitalisation mean also that young people have not finished their training or studies at the end of their courses. That's why we also support them in continuously improving their qualifications.”

Jürgen Wittmann, a member of the works council and of the works committee, stated: “The young Audi employees are helping to shape our future. With their acquired expertise and skills, they, as our future specialists, will play a decisive role in the ongoing success of our brand. That’s why the works council is committed to ensuring that the number of apprentices remains at a high level and that the content of their training continues to set standards in the automotive industry.”

Approximately 540 apprentices and dual students are starting their courses at the plant in Ingolstadt this year, and approximately 290 in Neckarsulm; about 30% of them are female. Audi will offer all of them a permanent position after the successful completion of their apprenticeships and studies.

The application period for the 2019 training year in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm runs until 16 September.

More information on apprenticeships and dual courses of study at Audi is available at www.audi.de/schueler.