A good introduction
Persons employed at VWP get an opportunity to learn how the company operates right from the very first days at work. This is all due to the program for newly hired people - Einsteigerprogramm.
During one-week introductory training at the assembly hall each employee learns about the processes related to car production and work is performed on the first and second shifts.
Depending on the target department for the newcomer, work is performed on various positions – leakproof test of hand brake, door sub-assembly, front assembly or car cleaning.
Later on information is provided on the details of functioning of each department in the company. With this, employees can understand and learn the functioning principles of each branch in the organisation. Our employees can also tour the entire plant, including welding shop, assembly hall or even the paint shop where access is very restricted. Through the Einsteigerprogramm we want to show each newly hired person the basis of our plant – production of Volkswagen Caddy and Transporter T5.
A week of work in the hall no doubt is not everyday experience. That was also true for Marta Szczodrak who works in the PQ-2/1 section and who spent her second week at the company on the Zp8 position which is the last test position of cars.
1. What are your memories of the week in the assembly hall?
I remember my week in the assembly hall very well. That was new interesting experience. At the beginning I did not know what to expect and I was somewhat afraid that the work on the assembly line would be very hard and boring. I found out it was not that bad. I even managed to get up early in the morning easier than I had thought and staying at work till late evening was not that bad.
2. How were you received by the colleagues with whom you worked at ZP8? What was the atmosphere at work?
I think I have the best memories of the colleagues with whom I worked at ZP8 and the atmosphere that prevailed. They were all very friendly and nice. As a result, the time on the line did not drag on like I had been afraid of. They were good at clarifying what I was supposed to do; they helped if I had questions while they were very friendly and funny. The atmosphere at work was great and so it has remained – I often pass by ZP8 or sometimes (in relation to my duties) I have a question or two about a car. The colleagues always nicely greet me and when asked about something they reply smiling.
3. Do you thing that the introductory program for newly hired employees at VWP is a good idea? Was that useful experience?
In my opinion that program is a good idea and I was happy I could take part in such program. I treat the week on the line as my new experience with which I now understand much better the work of people working directly in production. I think that until today the experience has been helping me in collaboration with assembly staff. Also the presentations of each department were very useful. I was able to learn more about the structure of our plant, I found out what problems are coped with in each department and I have met a few persons from each department.
4. What did you learn, what did you find out?
During the program I learned whom I should approach in each department if I have to. I can now see that persons who had joined the company before me and did not participate in the Einsteigerprogramm do not have such knowledge which comes very handy. Additionally, the week on the line made me realise that I could cope with many tasks.
Those newcomers who passed through the introductory program agree that the vast knowledge they may acquire over that time is the largest value added. Presentations of departments held to learn about the plant structure, understand relations of specific persons with departments and we know who to turn to in case of trouble. Additionally, a week on the “line” is a major challenge! For most people who left their offices for the time that was new experience which made them realise what the work of people directly in production looks like and what problems they face every day. That was also an opportunity to get closer to the department which often later becomes a client of the person - that was Marta’s case who now often collaborates with the assembly department.