100 years of Audi: Training Department plans regional programs for students and teachers

INGOLSTADT, GERMANY – April 7, 2009: On the occasion of celebrating “100 Years of Audi”, Audi’s Training Department has thought of something very special: The annual program, with events like Girls’ Day, the regional youth research competition “Jugend forscht” and technology camps for girls, is also incorporating new activities and offerings. These are aimed particularly at high-school students, trainees and teachers in the catchment areas of the Audi plants in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm.

The Ingolstadt car maker places a high value on basic and advanced training. But not only does Audi regularly train its own employees – people in the region can also participate in AUDI AG’s training programs. “Audi operates worldwide but at the same time has regional roots. Each year 80,000 young people in Germany leave school without a degree – an unacceptable situation. Both society and industry are called upon to accept responsibility and to act. That’s why it’s a matter of course for Audi to offer high-quality basic and advanced training – particularly during this special centenary,” states Dr. Werner Widuckel, Member of the Board of Management for Human Resources at AUDI AG.

The Training Department’s diversified campaign for this year will start at the end of April in Ingolstadt. The focus will then be on the advanced training of 100 teachers especially from regional secondary schools on the subject of “Becoming an Adult”.

What do the methodology and educational approach of contemporary vocational training at Audi look like, and what are the current technological trends? These are the questions to be pursued by 100 secondary school teachers from the Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm regions in technical training programs, which Audi is offering for the first time this year.

In addition to an information event and tour of the plant for vocational counselors and placement officers, 100 other teachers will have the opportunity to look behind the scenes and discover both automotive development and creation on the days devoted to experience and practice. In doing so, the teachers will learn about professional requirements and operational training. After all: “Teachers in particular act as important multipliers in the vocational orientation of their students. Our programs will enable teachers to experience first-hand what Audi has to offer as an attractive employer and training center,” declared Dieter Omert, Head of Training at AUDI AG.

High point of the activities in Ingolstadt: “Experience Learning”. On two open-house days, July 24 for the regional schools and July 25 for the interested public, people will have the opportunity to learn about the latest teaching and learning methods in vocational education at Audi, as well as the diverse possibilities of advanced qualification. Educational partners like Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences, the Technical School and the IHK will also supplement the information and participatory offerings of the Training Department and various other Audi departments.

Trainees at AUDI AG will have their opportunity to speak in the “Trainees as Ambassadors” event. They will visit 8th and 9th grades in the Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm areas to answer students’ questions about training and their own experiences, and to offer recommendations for career paths.

The trainees’ project days will demand at least as much dedication: At both Audi locations, trainees will involve themselves in social and cultural projects that they independently plan, organize and carry out together. For example, the trainees will build resting benches for senior citizens, renovate old playground equipment and support a sound theater project.

Two offerings are planned specifically for high-school students: On the one hand, readings and personal reports by the Holocaust witness Sally Perel; on the other hand, the competition on “Training Marketing” concerning issues about career paths and job applications.

Audi is directing these activities at its educational partners in the Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm areas. Dates and available places will be announced in due time. Please address particular inquiries to Johann Wild at johann.wild@audi.de.