To meet growing customer demand and to prepare for electric vehicle production, Volkswagen Chattanooga will hire approximately 150 production employees by the end of 2020. This is the first time since 2009 that the Company will accept applications for production employees directly, versus through a contract staffing agency.
“We must grow our team to meet the increasing demand for our vehicles, but also to begin preparations for electric vehicle assembly,” said Tom du Plessis, president and CEO of Volkswagen Chattanooga.
“Our goal is to extend at least 10 job offers every week for the remainder of the year.”
Beginning Sept. 4, Volkswagen will accept applications for production positions. Applicants must have at least three combined years of experience in manufacturing, automotive mechanics or automotive repair including assembly, welding, heavy equipment and machine operation.
The Company will hire primarily for second and third shifts. The starting hourly pay for those shifts is $20, or $23.20 including 16% bonus, with wage progression. Starting wage for day shift is $18.50 per hour, or $21.46. Volkswagen employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including medical and dental plans, life insurance and retirement savings.
Positions will be open in many areas of the plant, including Body Shop, Assembly, Paint, Quality and Logistics. Production team members will assemble automotive parts and operate tools and equipment in a fast-paced, high-tech production environment.
All applicants must be able to satisfactorily complete Volkswagen hiring process requirements which include medical/physical screening, work assessments, COVID-19 test, hair drug test and a background check. Eligible 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.
In addition to hiring new production employees, Volkswagen is continuing to convert production contractors to Volkswagen employees. The Company converted 54 production contractors last month, and will continue to convert production contractors once they are eligible.
Earlier this year the Company announced a base hourly wage increase for all production and maintenance employees by $1.50, as well as a new self-driven hourly bonus system up to 16%. Bonuses are calculated on top of paid hours, including shift premiums and overtime rates. Portions of the bonus are paid monthly and quarterly.
For more information or to subscribe to notifications about open production positions, visit http://www.wearevolkswagen.com.
Electric vehicle production of the ID.4 is scheduled to begin 2022. Pre-series production will begin in 2021. Construction on the expansion is on-track for completion this year. The ID.4 will be unveiled on VW.com at 11 a.m. ET Sept. 23.