Volkswagen Chattanooga will hold an on-site job fair on Saturday as it plans to fill 1,000 production positions amid the start-up of assembly of an electric SUV this summer at the plant.
The job fair will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Volkswagen Conference Center, 8001 Volkswagen Dr., according to the automaker.
Burkhard Ulrich, vice president of human resources at Volkswagen Chattanooga, said that as the automaker continues to expand its Tennessee operations as VW's North American hub for electric vehicle manufacturing, the aim is to grow by at least 1,000 employees.
"This is an exciting time to join one of the world's largest vehicle manufacturers as we expand for electric mobility," he said in a statement. "With career advancement opportunities, tuition reimbursement and attractive benefits like a vehicle lease program, this is a great place to build a future."
The ramp-up in hiring is the Chattanooga assembly plant's biggest since it opened more than a decade ago.
The company is hiring production team members primarily for second, third and night shifts, according to VW. The starting hourly rate for those shifts is $24.40, which includes shift premium and quarterly bonus, the company said. With wage progression, top-out rates can reach $33 per hour, it said, adding that the posts are direct hire positions for those with relevant experience.
Information sessions will be held during the job fair, where interested attendees can learn about the position, pay and schedule. Candidates who attend an information session at the job fair will be able to schedule an interview for a later date, the company said.
Volkswagen's employee resource groups - which are voluntary, employee-led groups that promote inclusivity, networking and skills development - will be on site to showcase the factory's various events, activities and engagement opportunities. Volkswagen Chattanooga supports groups for families, veterans, women, LGBTQ+ allies and African-Americans, the company said.
The Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs, which are already assembled at the factory, will be displayed at the event along with the ID.4 electric SUV, on which assembly will start this summer, according to the company.
Volkswagen employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including medical and dental plans, life insurance and retirement savings, the company said. Additional benefits include an employee vehicle leasing program, paid parental leave and adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement, according to the automaker. Amenities at the factory include on-site cafeterias, a fitness center with free classes and a medical clinic.
- Compiled by Mike Pare