First batch graduates from VW Academy’s mechatronics course

The first batch of Mechatronics Apprentices have earned their certificates after completing the three-year course from the Volkswagen Academy in Chakan, Pune. The 15 apprentices will join Volkswagen India and be assigned to key departments across various functions. From among the, two apprentices who excelled in the programme have been accorded special recognition.

The apprentices who comprised 11 boys and four girls have been placed in key manufacturing functions that include planning, maintenance, pilot hall, quality and engine assembly. Candidates for the course from among 400 applications and tested for several capabilities including aptitude, hand-eye coordination and English.

The two chosen for special recognition include Rajiv Mishra from Unnao, Uttar Pradesh and Anshuman Srivastava from Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh who have been accorded special recognition by Volkswagen India. While Mishra’s achievement has earned him a year-long stint, starting December 2014, at Volkswagen Salzgitter Engine Plant in Germany under Volkswagen Wanderjahre Programme, Srivastava has been nominated for one of the highest recognitions from Volkswagen Academy and will receive his certificate from Volkswagen CEO, Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn at Wolfsburg.

Peter Raussendorf, head of HR and admin said, "Through our dual apprenticeship programme, we are cultivating and nurturing talent that is absolutely necessary to drive the future of our production facility."

Vijayan KT, head of Volkswagen Academy at the Pune plant, said, “With the future-oriented combination of theory and practical knowledge that has been imparted to them, we have created a skilled work force for the growing and changing needs of an ever-evolving tomorrow." He adds that while Indian courses stress the theory over practical with the former accounting for 70 percent of the course. The German model strives to turn this around in favour of the practical.

Photograph: The VW India Mechatronics Appreticeship Programme graduates with their certificates and the Volkswagen fire-fighting car that they built as their final year project.