Atlas SUV drives interest in working for VW Chattanooga

The roll out of Volkswagen’s new Atlas sport utility vehicle is helping recruit new Chattanooga factory workers who’ll be needed to fill the dealer pipeline with the SUV, an official said Wednesday.

“A lot of people are excited the Atlas is coming,” said Shaun Rhodes, who was recruiting employees for VW staffing company Aerotek at the Tennessee Career Center.

VW is needing 1,100 new workers for the Chattanooga plant by mid-April as assembly of the midsize SUV is slated to start in December. The seven-seater is to go on sale at dealerships nationwide in spring 2017.

The Atlas was revealed to automotive press last week in California and unveiled in Chattanooga on Tuesday. Rhodes said the turnout for the job fair Wednesday was “pretty good.”

“Interest has peaked again with the SUV,” he said.

Ladeirdre Austin of Chattanooga said she’s hoping to land one of the assembly jobs at the Enterprise South industrial park factory, and she looked forward to producing some of the first units of the SUV.

“It would be fun and a great experience for sure,” she said.

Blaine McDowell of Soddy-Daisy, also seeking a job with the German automaker, agreed.

“It would be pretty cool,” he said about assembling a brand-new vehicle.

Scott Wilson, the Chattanooga plant’s spokesman, said the 1,100 new jobs are in addition to the 2,400 people already working at the factory.

“The effect is tangible,” Wilson said. “Look at the Ooltewah area [near the plant], home sales were thriving.”

Rhodes said another VW job fair is slated for Nov. 9 at the BX, or Brainerd Crossroads, at 4011 Austin St. in connection with the Urban League.

Starting pay for Aerotek employees at VW averages $13.50 an hour, with guaranteed raises and bonus every six months, according to the company and the automaker.

The Chattanooga plant has converted 1,500 workers from Aerotek to direct VW employment, they said.

Contact Mike Pare at mpare@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6318.