The Volkswagen Group recently presented its Best Apprentice Awards 2019 to its best apprentices from all over the world, ‘honouring their outstanding performance and professional competence’.

The awards were presented by Herbert Diess (Volkswagen AG chairman), Gunnar Kilian (human resources manager), and Bernd Osterloh (president of the global works council).

Mr Diess (www.volkswagenag.com) said: “You are the 49 best apprentices from 20 countries in a group with more than 19,000 apprentices; that is a great achievement.

"You have completed your apprenticeship at a time when our industry is changing drastically. I would like you to play an active role in shaping this transformation.

"You need to argue, persuade and overcome resistance; stand up for your future and the future of Volkswagen.”

Mr Kilian said: “At Volkswagen, we place considerable value on excellent training for young specialists.

“We want young people to firmly grasp opportunities. We support them in their efforts and offer training in about 60 vocations, with 50 dual courses of study throughout the world.

“In an era of rapid technological change, a solid training is more important than ever before.

“It is the firm foundation which you can build on to repeatedly develop new knowledge and expertise in a sustainable way.”

The 12 young women and 37 young men were honoured at a ceremony at the Volkswagen facilities in Wolfsburg; 21 of them will start a degree course to develop their knowledge and skills in greater depth.

In addition, two young specialists will receive study grants, while three of the award winners from Germany will receive two years of individual support.