Hamilton County residents have landed the first 22 production worker jobs for Volkswagen's new auto assembly plant, according to the carmaker.
"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 group will spend three weeks in VW orientation classes, which serve as an introduction to its products, culture and manufacturing practices.
Frank Fischer, VW's chief executive in Chattanooga, said the automaker's on-site training academy is expected to be finished soon. The company's third supplier integration meeting was held recently in the training facility, he said.
A second group of production workers to be hired will begin the orientation process next week and also will be Hamilton County residents, the company said.
Regarding the gender and racial makeup of the initial class, VW declined to discuss the breakdown.
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, body and paint shops as the largest share of the more than 2,000 people the company plans to bring on. VW officials said last week it has hired 350 people for the plant project so far.
WORKER PAYVW 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.