Volkswagen Academy

Volkswagen Academy in partnership with Chattanooga State

A unique collaboration between a global manufacturer and an American community college.

Chattanooga State’s Engineering Technology Division and the Volkswagen Group of America Chattanooga Operations have developed two training programs designed for persons interested in working in the automotive industry. Both programs – the Automation Mechatronics Program (AMP) and the Car Mechatronics Programs (CMP) – are one-of-a-kind, three-year programs that are housed at the Volkswagen Academy, with work related, paid internships at the Volkswagen plant. Students are selected through a competitive admissions process for each program. Twenty-four students are admitted to the AMP each year (12 in the summer and 12 in the fall), while CMP enrolls 12 students each fall. Each program offers students a comprehensive learning environment that blends classroom and laboratory instruction with paid, on-the-job training experience in the Volkswagen plant.

The focus of the Automation Mechatronics Program is to develop multi-skilled craftsmen who are responsible for keeping the Volkswagen plant operational. Students will receive hands-on-training in mechanical systems, electricity, electronics, machining, welding and automated systems. The focus of the Car Mechatronics Program is to develop highly-skilled technicians who can diagnose and repair mechanical and electrical issues with the Volkswagen automobiles produced at the Chattanooga plant.