Germany’s reputable car industry has long been seen by Germans and foreigners alike as the ultimate symbol of the country’s efficiency. BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen and Audi market many different kinds of car. But the emphasis on efficiency and reliability is one thing that they have in common.
Audi builds more than half a million cars in 2009 and in the Bavarian town of Ingolstadt, they have built a state of the art car factory, which is the size of a small town. Audi is by far the biggest local employer and as there is such a high demand for manufacturing skills Audi employ’s only the best workers and in return offers some very complex apprenticeship schemes.
All over Germany, companies undergo work experience placements for school leavers and teach them how they want their products to be made. These apprenticeship schemes can be quite expensive, but Audi, who take on around 700 new applicants a year, believe the advantages are clear. The system will remain in place for the future. However the past successes of the German economy are being increasingly questioned in a competitive, globalised world.
Prices are much higher in Germany than in other countries, with a whole range of social benefits that would seem unthinkable in Britain or elsewhere in Europe. Manufacturers in England also offer a wide and exciting range of career opportunities for exceptional young people; however Audi has taken their enviable position in an ever changing automotive world and made it their objective to breed the best engineers, designers and business gurus and so on.
I knew a friend who is on a training scheme at Audi in Devon’s dealership. Needless to say it’s hard work but has opened many windows and doors for a very promising and colourful future. Germany have the right idea and only hope we can follow in its footsteps.
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