AUDI AG: top employer for graduates

No other company is currently as popular among graduates as AUDI AG. This is the finding of Germany’s two most important employer ranking lists. “The survey results show that we’ve selected the right method for becoming the most attractive employer,” said Dr. Werner Widuckel, Member of the Board of Management for Human Resources at AUDI AG. “A management culture that calls for respect, the sustained success of the Company, and, naturally, challenging job duties are important factors for graduates when selecting their employer,” emphasized Widuckel. “In economically difficult times like these, job security gains in importance.”

By 2015, the brand with the four rings will expand its model range to 42 car types. This offers graduates an appealing work environment. “We’re looking for talented, inventive engineers who bring with them a sense of courage and passion – people who make the unthinkable seem feasible. We offer them the opportunity to apply their talents in the development of new and innovative products,” Widuckel said. Key areas here include electromobility, drive concepts and lightweight design.

Economics graduates view criteria such as the development of the brand and sustained success of the Company, along with exciting job duties, to be decisive. “We give young people tangible opportunities to start their careers: we’re hiring 350 experts this year, which represents a lasting investment in personnel.”

Peter Mosch, Chairman of the General Works Council of AUDI AG, explains: “Secure jobs are our ultimate goal. We also maintain a constant dialogue with the Board of Management and staff in an effort to make the work environment and opportunities for continued training even more attractive to employees.  Audi promotes and rewards dedication, ideas and innovation. In this way, we’re investing in the future success and competitiveness of the Company, as well as investing in jobs for the long term.”

College graduates aren’t the only ones who receive tangible opportunities to start a career at Audi. The entry-level and training programs are wide-ranging: from mentoring interns and students working on their theses and dissertations, to dual-track education programs, Audi systematically works to promote young talent. About 70 percent of the university graduates hired by AUDI AG were already familiar to the Company through an internship or thesis or dissertation project. “It is important to us to establish a relationship with young and talented people early on, and to support this relationship in order to develop lasting ties. That has proven successful – for both sides,” said Michael Gross, Head of Personnel Marketing at Audi.

*  The studies by the Trendence and Universum consulting institutes are among the largest of their kind. They represent important opinion surveys for the positioning of employer brands. 
Publications in 2010: Wirtschaftswoche on May 3 (Universum), and manager magazin on May 21 (Trendence).

Overview of AUDI AG’s entry-level and training programs

Vocational training at Audi
AUDI AG offers instruction in more than 20 skilled trades at its two German sites. In 2009, a total of 722 people began Audi apprenticeships in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm. To mark its anniversary “100 years of Audi” that it celebrated last year, the Company will be offering an additional 100 apprenticeships for young people in 2010. As part of a dual-track education in a choice of four technical trades, there is also the possibility of simultaneously qualifying to later study at a technical university.

Dual-track education
(StEP & studies at the Vocational Academy/Dual University of Baden-Württemberg) Participants of the StEP Program benefit from an intelligent blend of theory and practice, which consequently leads to excellent prospects for an Audi career and two full degrees in just five years: a Bachelor of Engineering and certification as a mechatronics specialist or vehicle mechatronics specialist (issued by a Chamber of Industry and Commerce). The Bachelor’s program at the Vocational Academy/Dual University of Baden-Württemberg at Audi’s Neckarsulm site allows participants to earn an internationally accredited Bachelor’s degree within three years and profit from an intelligent balance of theory and practice. With Audi offering hands-on exposure and the Vocational Academy/Dual University of Baden-Württemberg providing classroom theory, participants acquire comprehensive expertise.

Internships
Be it in Technical Development, Production, Toolmaking, Quality Assurance, Purchasing, Customer Service, Marketing/Sales, Finance and Organization, or Human Resources: students can intern in just about any Audi department. Audi internships last eight weeks to a maximum of six months. From day one, Audi interns actively participate in the workplace and on actual projects. In addition, Audi offers a broad array of supplementary events including an orientation session, a factory tour, and a series of presentations.

Students also have the option of writing their thesis or dissertation project at Audi.

First Job Experience Program
Audi offers university graduates who earned good grades but have not had the time or the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, professional know-how and an additional qualification while earning appropriate remuneration during a job lasting six to twelve months.

International Trainee Program
During a twelve-month program, trainees get to know key interfaces within and outside AUDI AG during various projects. They work independently on three to four projects in different areas during their traineeship. One project must be in their target field and a second at one of the Volkswagen Group’s non-German sites.

Newly hired employees
Newly hired, full-fledged employees immediately start on projects in their scope of work. New employees work with a mentor in their specialist area and customize a job familiarization strategy that introduces them to key contacts at the Company.

Development program for graduates
The development program for university graduates and young professionals is aimed at engineers and economists. During their tailor-made program, participants first work one to two years in their target field. They then spend two years in interface roles to expand their knowledge of the process chain. After about four years, these experts possess interdisciplinary knowledge and can master responsibilities in their target field. Customized, advanced vocational training – on and off the job – complements this program.

Doctorate degrees
University graduates at Audi can earn their doctorate in one of two ways: as an AUDI AG employee or by collaborating with Audi on a joint science project. The doctorate program at Audi has been continuously expanded in recent years. Some 140 scientists per year earn their doctorate degrees at the automobile manufacturer in Ingolstadt.