Volkswagen lays groundwork for Aussie EV plan

Volkswagen Group Australia (VGA) says it will double its training capacity when a new purpose-built facility at Essendon Fields becomes operational in January 2021.

Built in conjunction with Porsche and located 18km from Melbourne’s CBD near the airport, the new centre will train 2000 apprentice technicians, sales staff and managers annually.

The new 2500 square-metre facility will also house the new regional offices of the Volkswagen and Audi brands and “is key to both auto importers’ preparation for e-mobility”, says VGA.

A pair of Audi e-tron models will be the first EVs sold in Australia by the German luxury brand from later this year, while the Volkswagen I.D. family will mark VW’s move to electrification in 2021.

VGA director of customer experience and marketing Jason Bradshaw said that along with its corporate headquarters in Chullora, Sydney, the manufacturer would effectively double its training capacity with its new Melbourne training HQ, which is due for completion by late October.

“While there is a national concern around the impending skills shortage and the drastic reduction in apprentice jobs [since COVID-19], Volkswagen Group Australia remains a key trainer and its network is a committed employer of young Australians,” he said.

“VW Group has long been at the forefront of automotive training. Our technicians are elite, the most sought after in this industry. That demand will increase as Volkswagen Group begins introducing electric vehicles at every price point.”