Pune : Recognizing the successful passing-out of the first batch of Mechatronics Apprentices selected by Volkswagen Academy for the programme in 2011, Volkswagen India today hosted the 15 apprentices at a Certificate-giving ceremony held at the Pune Plant. The apprentices have now been absorbed by Volkswagen India Private Limited and have been assigned to key departments across various functions within the plant. Additionally, two apprentices who excelled in the programme have been accorded special recognition for their merit.

The 15 apprentices hailing from different parts of the country have earned themselves the opportunity to build a promising career with Volkswagen India on completion of the Mechatronics Apprenticeship Programme. These apprentices – 11 boys and four girls – received their Certificates at a ceremony conducted by Volkswagen India. Mr. Steffen Gunnar Bayer, Director German Vocational Education and Training Abroad from Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) was present at the ceremony to hand over the certificates long with Mr. Andreas Lauenroth, Executive Director Technical and Mr. Peter Raussendorf, Executive Director HR & Admin of Volkswagen India Private Limited. The apprentices have been placed in key manufacturing functions like Planning, Maintenance, Pilot Hall, Quality and Engine Assembly.

Excellence Rewarded

Rajiv Mishra from Unnao, Uttar Pradesh and Anshuman Srivastava from Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh performed exceptionally well throughout the course and have been accorded special recognition by Volkswagen India. Rajiv Mishra’s achievement has earned him a year long stint, starting December 2014, at Volkswagen Salzgitter Engine Plant in Germany under Volkswagen Wanderjahre Programme. Through this programme, Volkswagen offers the excelling apprentice from the Mechatronics Programme an opportunity to further enhances his/her skills through international exposure at other Volkswagen plants around the world.

Anshuman Srivastava on the other hand, has been nominated for one of the highest recognitions from Volkswagen Academy through a certificate awarded directly by none other than Volkswagen CEO, Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn. Anshuman Srivastava will be receiving his certificate in Wolfsburg in October.

Highlighting the significance of the Mechatronics Apprenticeship Programme conducted by Volkswagen Academy from an industry point of view, Mr. Peter Raussendorf said, “India is fast moving towards becoming one of the largest automobile markets by 2020. We, as Volkswagen India, are conscientious about the fact that the industry’s demand for talented professionals in the auto manufacturing sphere will continue to grow. Through our dual apprenticeship programme, we are cultivating and nurturing talent, which is absolutely necessary to drive the future of our production facility.”

Mr. Vijayan KT, Head of Volkswagen Academy at Pune Plant, added “It only feels like yesterday that we selected the top apprentices from across the country for our Mechatronics Apprenticeship Programme and today they are passing out after completing their three years with us. Through these years, the apprentices have really worked their way up with maximum dedication and perseverance. With the future-oriented combination of theory and practical knowledge that has been imparted to them, we have created skilled work force for the growing and changing needs of an ever-evolving tomorrow.”

Introduced to build industry ready talent, the Mechatronics Apprenticeship Programme has been designed such that the apprentices get hands-on experience at the shop floor as well as learn various streams like Metal, Electrical & Electronics, PLC Automation, Hydraulics, Pneumatics, IT, Welding, Robotics and CNC machines. In the last year of their programme, the apprentices are expected to work on the shop floor with various departments on practical projects too as a part of their curriculum. In addition to these projects, the first batch of Apprenticeship Programme also built a fire-fighting car for use within the Pune Plant. Volkswagen Academy also emphasises on developing the apprentices’ interpersonal skills as a part of the programme. The programme is conducted without charging any fee to the apprentices. Additionally, a stipend is paid to the apprentices every month. Recently, the fourth batch of Mechatronics Apprenticeship Programme commenced with 16 new apprentices. Currently, there are over 40 apprentices attending this programme at the Volkswagen Academy at Pune Plant.

Apprentices passing out from first batch of Mechatronics Apprenticeship Programme

Anshuman Srivastava (Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh)

Ashutosh Mishra (Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh)

Chetan Chandrashekhar Giram (Latur, Maharashtra)

Kishor Shankar Saibol (Daund, Maharashtra)

Nilesh Raghunath Hajare (Pune, Maharashtra)

Pallavi Rajaram Sabale (Pune, Maharashtra)

Rajiv Mohan Mishra (Unnao, Uttar Pradesh)

Raju Shamrao Sapate (Kolhapur, Maharashtra)

Sagar Balkrishna Kawade (Pune, Maharashtra)

Shilpa Gangadhar Purankar (Pune, Maharashtra)

Siddh Prakash (Munger, Bihar)

Sonal Jagannath Hinge (Pune, Maharashtra)

Varsha Dnyaneshwar Pawale (Pune, Maharashtra)

Yogesh Ankush Malghe (Pune, Maharashtra)

Yogesh Dattatraya Nagare (Nasik, Maharashtra)