A new generation of experts for the I.D. family
The Future Electronic Engineer Program (FEEP) is targeted at 100 young engineers and skilled workers. The aim? Be excellently prepared for the launch of 27 MEB models throughout the world.
E-mobility is one of the pillars of the Volkswagen Group’s TOGETHER Strategy. With the Roadmap E, the Company has set precise goals: by 2025, 80 new electric models will be introduced, and by 2030 there will be at least one electrified version for each of the Group’s 300 models across all vehicle classes worldwide.
In the next four years, 16 plants all around the world will be dedicated exclusively to the production of electric vehicles. The Volkswagen brand plays a fundamental role in this context: by the end of 2019, the production of the I.D. family - the new generation of 100% electric vehicles based on the modular electrification toolkit (MEB) - will begin in Zwickau (Germany).
This is an important turning point, which requires a new organisation and, most of all, new skills. In that respect, Volkswagen has launched a new training program specific for e-mobility: with the Future Electronic Engineer Program (FEEP), 100 young engineers and skilled workers throughout the world will be trained as top production experts. They will occupy future-oriented positions in planning, the development of electric models, the pre-series centre and electronics development.
The program, promoted by Volkswagen in collaboration with local universities, has been officially launched in Wolfsburg’s Pilot Hall, which forms part of the Production and Logistics Board of Management division of the brand, and includes also other plants in China, Brazil, Argentina, the USA and Mexico.
The start of production: a key point
The FEEP is one of the most complete specialised training programs in the industry. In the next two years, about 80 starts of production will be managed, the vehicles will have more digital intelligence on board than ever before and the situation will become even more challenging with the introduction of the MEB models. This is why there is a need for start of production specialists, who can provide local support at the plants in case of need and who can ensure a good start of operations. The target is to develop significant volume production, maintaining the current high quality requirements.
27 electric models in 3 years
Thomas Ulbrich, Member of the brand Board of Management responsible for e-Mobility, outlines the dimensions of the electric offensive: “Within three years, Volkswagen will be starting production of a total of 27 electric car models for four brands in three regions of the world. At the Zwickau plant alone, models of three Group brands will roll off the production lines. This is why our MEB plants around the world will need new engineers who are thoroughly conversant with the requirements for production of the new vehicle architecture and also have considerable practical experience.”
A gradual and complete journey
Participants entering the program in fields such as vehicle informatics or data logistics will normally have completed a practically oriented course of studies. Initially, they will be provided with basic training on commissioning at the Volkswagen brand Pilot Hall in Wolfsburg and will work on current vehicle projects such as the first compact I.D.. Following this stage, they will receive intensive seminars and will work on projects with gradually increasing requirements. They will then complete an assignment to another country where they will work on starts of production and benefit from practically oriented support by highly qualified mentors and senior experts working on a volunteering basis.
Source: Volkswagen AG