Erik Prieels, Director General for Human Resources: ‘The decision taken in 2012 to train young personnel in collaboration with two partner schools was the right decision. With this successful Dual Learning programme, we offer young talent not just thorough training in a modern setting, but also the chance of an attractive job. In the future we wish to extend this form of training to other competencies.’ The vocational training for technicians provided by Audi Brussels and the two partner schools from Halle and Sint-Pieters-Woluwe is also the perfect response to the current shortage of skilled workers.
Since the first Dual Learning diplomas were awarded at Audi Brussels in 2014, most of the students who have come through the programme have found work as installation and maintenance technicians at Audi Brussels. During his visit to the plant, King Philippe also talked to four of the first wave of Dual Learning participants. These specialist workers are now employed in the Body Shop and Assembly Departments.
His Majesty the King was impressed by the transformation process that the plant has undergone since his last visit in 2016. In the past two and a half years of conversion work, the plant has completely transformed itself into an e-mobility site, and has prepared for the production of the Audi e-tron electric SUV. In addition to the large-scale structural and construction work at the plant, an extensive qualification process has also taken place.
Employees have received more than 200,000 hours of training to learn the latest technologies needed for the production of a fully electric vehicle. Patrick Danau, Audi Brussels plant director, summed up the reaction: ‘We’re delighted about this visit and the Royal Family’s appreciation. His Majesty’s interest is a valuable recognition of the hard work that our employees, the social partners and the management of Audi have done in recent years to make the series production of the Audi e-tron possible.’