Engineers Once Again Declare Audi Best Employer
- 2009 Trendence survey: top spot among engineering students; up to second place for economics students
- Dr. Widuckel, Audi Board Member for HR: “These accolades confirm that we are en route to becoming the most appealing employer”
INGOLSTADT, Germany, Aug 21, 2009 - Audi remains the most beloved employer among engineering students at German universities. These findings were released today by the Trendence* consulting company. The Ingolstadt-based automotive company repeated its 2008 triumph in the eyes of budding engineers. In addition, the brand with the four rings boosted its popularity among economics students, moving up from third to second place.
Over 23,000 soon-to-be graduates took part in the Trendence survey by voting on employers’ appeal. Audi once again harvested outstanding rankings: Germany’s engineering students have again declared the automotive manufacturer the most attractive employer. AUDI AG is also becoming an increasingly popular employer among economics students. The company improved on last year’s third-place finish by capturing second place. Audi is thus the number one automotive manufacturer among both up-and-coming engineers and budding economists.
“These rankings prove that we are proceeding down the perfect path to becoming the automotive industry’s most attractive employer by 2015,” emphasizes Dr. Werner Widuckel, Member of the Board of Management for Human Resources at AUDI AG. “In particular our portfolio of new models — which we'll expand to 42 models in the next six years — makes Audi the most appealing employer for up-and-coming engineers.” With its Vorsprung durch Technik (progress through technology), Audi places special emphasis on engineering careers. According to Dr. Widuckel, it is therefore all the better that Audi is increasing its appeal among soon-to-be economists also. “In addition to emotional products and innovative technologies, recent graduates particularly prize Audi’s esteemed and collegial corporate culture, the company’s successful track record over the years, and — correspondingly — the secure jobs and solid opportunities for career development offered by Audi,” adds Dr. Widuckel.
Contrary to the prevailing industry trend, Audi will hire 300 experts this year — with a special emphasis on electric powertrains. Audi is similarly offering 100 additional slots for new apprentices during its 100th anniversary. They will also focus on fields of innovation such as lightweight design and electric powertrains.
Audi demonstrates its commitment to young minds by aiding secondary-school and university students via a broad spectrum of programs. “We deeply value establishing contact early on at job fairs, during internships, or in the context of a thesis or dissertation. Such opportunities allow potential applicants to gain good insights into our company, and we can get to know them very well,” says Michael Groß, Head of Personnel Marketing at AUDI AG. “Audi offers not only attractive jobs, but also exciting opportunities for career advancement.”
* Over 23,000 students at German universities were polled this year about their preferences and priorities concerning entry-level employment. This survey by the Trendence Institute is the largest of its kind and is considered a key barometer of opinion with regard to the positioning of employer brands.
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 2008, a total of 682 people began Audi apprenticeships in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm. 100 additional apprenticeship slots have been created in 2009. Moreover, participants can opt for dual-track education by attending vocational training while 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 a vocational-training certificate issued by a Chamber of Industry and Commerce. The degree program at the 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 Dual University Baden-Württemberg providing classroom theory, participants acquire comprehensive expertise.
Internships
Be it in Technical Development, Production, Toolmaking, Quality Assurance, Purchasing, Customer Service, Marketing/Sales, Finances and Organization, or Human Resources: students can intern in just about any Audi department. Audi internships last eight weeks to 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 plant tour, and a series of presentations.
First Job Experience Program
Thanks to Audi, university graduates who earned good grades but have not had the time or the opportunity to gain hands-on experience can gain 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 130 scientists are currently earning their doctorate degrees at the automobile manufacturer in Ingolstadt.
Read Article