The job prospects might be still at an all time low, but its good news for the residents of Hamilton County, which as just landed the first 22 production worker jobs for Volkswagen’s new auto assembly plant.
“As we have said from the beginning, we prioritize hiring as close to the plant as possible. It just makes good sense,” said Hans-Herbert Jagla, executive vice president of human resources for VW in Chattanooga.
The 22 employees that have been hired with will spend three weeks in Volkswagen the orientation classes, which purpose is to introduce its products, culture and manufacturing practices.
Volkswagens chief executive in Chattanooga, Frank Fischer, said that its on site training academy is expected to be finished soon. In which a second group of production workers to be hired will begin the orientation process there and also will be Hamilton County residents.
Company spokesman Scott Wilson said the levels will fluctuate with each class, but that VW is committed to diversity in the work force and the makeup will reflect Hamilton County.
VW plans to hire 1,200 people to work in the assembly for manufaturing of cars and vans, body and paint shops as the largest share of the more than 2,000 people the company plans to bring on, which benefit used van and car maintenance as well. VW officials said last week it has hired 350 people for the plant project so far.
VW production workers will start at $14.50 per hour, growing to $19.50 per hour over three years, officials said.
Mr. Jagla said it is VW’s priority to hire production team members from Hamilton County. Production is the start in the first part of 2011.
The city, county and state governments are putting in an estimated $577.4 million in tax breaks and direct assistance for the VW project.
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