NEWS

Anhui/Beijing, February 21, 2023. Volkswagen College, an institution jointly established by Volkswagen Group China, Volkswagen Anhui, Hefei University and Hefei Economic Development Zone, was unveiled on Feb. 20, 2023. The institution in Hefei, Anhui province, is a future mobility-oriented college affiliated with Hefei University. Exemplifying Volkswagen Group’s innovative cooperation with China’s higher education institutes through the Dual Education framework, Volkswagen College will draw on the combined strengths and resources of all involved parties. It exemplifies how great achievements are made possible by close cooperation between universities, companies, and government. The Volkswagen College will cultivate professionals with high-end skills applied for the development of China’s automotive industry in the e-mobility era, and will support the Group’s e-mobility strategy in China. 

Jens Pfitzinger, Executive Vice President of Volkswagen Group China, responsible for Human Resources, Organization & ITP, said: “Our ability to attract and nurture young Chinese talents has played a key role in our joint success with the China automotive industry in the past four decades. In the era of digitalization, electrification and artificial intelligence, it’s even more important to develop high-quality talents with pioneering mindsets and practical skills to lead the innovation of future mobility. The establishment of Volkswagen College is not only a crucial step in Volkswagen Group’s talent development strategy to strengthen our own e-mobility transformation, but also demonstrates our ongoing commitment and contribution to the development of China’s future mobility industry.”  

Together with Hefei University, Volkswagen Group China has made full use of its resources to develop a curated curriculum, seek qualifications for college students and teachers, and carry out facility and laboratory design in Volkswagen College. To address future market trends, requirements for high-end professionals and Volkswagen Group’s development strategy in China, three majors were carefully created: Data Science & Big Data Technology, Intelligent Manufacturing Engineering, and Inorganic Non-metallic Materials Engineering (Battery Direction). A total of 88 students are currently enrolled for these majors. 

Jens Pfitzinger added: “To prepare the students with practical skills and build up their understanding of Volkswagen Group’s business in China, we also mobilized internal resources, including the Volkswagen Group China Academy, to design diversified courses for the students, ranging from our Group culture, our joint efforts with JV partners throughout the last decades, and practical social skills. With such initiatives, we are building up a strong bond between students and Volkswagen Group China.” 

The transformation of the global automotive industry is already underway and China has become a leading force in defining the future of intelligent, connected, electric cars. Through close collaboration with local partners and a robust talent development strategy, Volkswagen Group China, as a Top Employer in China, will continue to take initiative to contribute to the sustainable and prosperous development of China’s automotive industry.  

Volkswagen College officially unveiled in Hefei

Volkswagen College officially unveiled in Hefei

Relevant parties sign cooperation agreement for the establishment of the Volkswagen College

Jens Pfitzinger, Executive Vice President of Volkswagen Group China, responsible for Human Resources, Organization & ITP, gives speech