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

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

Beginning Monday, Oct. 26, at 7:30 a.m., applicants interested in production positions may apply online at the website www.VWJobsChattanooga.com. Applicants may access the website 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:

Tennessee Career Center at –
5600 Brainerd Road, Suite A-5 or the Tennessee Career Center at 410 Congress Parkway, Athens, Tn.

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 Nov. 15 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 three-week period will be given equal consideration.”

Added Mr. 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.”

Volkswagen Group of America Inc. will invest $1 billion in the local economy for the Chattanooga plant and create 2,000 direct jobs in the region. According to independent studies, the new Volkswagen plant is expected to generate $12 billion in income growth and an additional 9,500 jobs over the life of the project.

The Chattanooga plant will build a new midsize sedan specially designed for the North American market. Approximately 30 percent of these cars will be powered by Volkswagen's TDI Clean Diesel Technology.