Volkswagon announced today that it will begin accepting applications on-line for Production Team Members October 26 for the Chattanooga manufacturing facility.

With starting pay of $14.50/hour growing to $19.50/hour over a 36 month period, these are attractive job opportunities for many in the Upper Cumberland who have been hit hard by double digit unemployment numbers and relatively few regional job opportunities.

According to the VW officials, applications will be accepted online 24 hours a day starting Monday October 26 at 7:30 a.m. thru Midnight on Sunday November 15. 2009.   

About 1,200 total persons are expected to be hired in this initiative.

There is no advantage to applying in person, according to VW officials, who hope to encourage the thousands of expected applicants to put their information into the system online at the vwjobschattanooga site.

In fact, the on-site employment locations are only for those who do not have a computer or internet access, or are not comfortable applying online.  In today's high tech world, a willingness to embrace such technology may give some candidates an edge, according to career center experts. 

Officials wanted to make sure candidates know that there is no advantage to submitting your online application from a Career Center or Community College.  All applications will be processed in the same way, and there will be no advantage to applying on the first or last day, officials said.

Company officials also announces that the competitive benefits package will include medical, dental, life and retirement savings plans.

If selected, candidates should be prepared for a hiring process that includes a full day assessment, interview, medical and drug screen and background check.

Hiring will occur over the next 18 months as the tobacco-free plant is built and launched.

VW hiring officials said in the announcement today "We expect thousands of applications to be processed over the next 18 months, so please be patient.  You can check your status by revisiting the website."

The key areas of expertise that VW is looking for are weld, paint, and assembly of automotive parts and the ability to prepare
and operate equipment, tools and/or machinery in a fast paced, high volume automotive production process while consistently performing repetitive tasks and standing for long periods of time.

Like most employers today, VW employees will be responsible for meeting safety, quality and production standards for each station/operation while working effectively with others in a team based environment.

Insiders say that flexibility and good abilities to work with team mates are as important, if not more important, than existing technical skills in this process. 

Applicants should be aware that team members will switch (rotate) shifts every two weeks and that overtime may regularly occur, including weekends.

Requirements include a High School diploma or GED, age of at least 18 years, and legal authorization to work in the United States.
 
Those without computer access may check with local career centers for guidance. 

"We want everyone to have a fair chance," said Hans-Herbert Jagla, executive vice president for human resources for VW's local operation.

Ryan Rose, the carmaker's general manager for human resources in the city, said a kind of lottery process will be used to determine the application evaluation sequence.

"Everyone who applies and meets the minimum qualifications will be given an equal chance," Mr. Rose said.

After the three-week period, applicants will be scheduled for an individual assessment. This includes computer and behavioral testing as well as production simulation at a location being prepared near the Enterprise South industrial park plant, according to VW.

Then, Mr. Jagla said, there will be an interview, medical tests and a job offer.

"We need to build a hiring pool," he said. "We're looking for capable, local people who can work together in a team environment to build cars safely and with the highest quality."

VW already has hired almost 220 people for salaried positions and also has taken applications for skilled maintenance slots. Mr. Rose said the automaker has received about 25,000 applications for those jobs so far.

While there are minimum qualifications, officials said more education and some experience likely would help in the assessment and interviews phases.