Two top VWSA trainees

Fanisile Momo and Simone Starkey, employees at Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA), stood proud among 43 of the Volkswagen Group’s (VW’s) young achievers, from 18 different countries, as each received VW’s Best Trainee Award 2014.

In recognition of their achievements, the award winners were invited to Germany to participate in an exciting multi-faceted programme spanning several days.

“Working at VWSA has helped me cement a good work ethic and has motivated me to take initiative within my work environment,” says Starkey. “I have been exposed to challenging projects, which have given me more confidence in my abilities.”

She is now working as a dealer network management analyst at Volkswagen’s national sales organisation in Sandton. The award was based on her previous work at the Uitenhage manufacturing plant where she was a production purchasing buyer.

“It has been a great honour to receive this award, and the experience of travelling overseas was amazing,” says Starkey. “Meeting so many people from different countries has truly broadened my outlook and put the Volkswagen Group’s stature into perspective.”

Fanisile Momo, who is a tool-setter in the engine plant, has been working at VWSA for the past ten years. Last year he qualified as a mechatronics technician through VWSA’s Technical Learning Academy.

“I could not believe it when I was selected to go to Germany to receive a Best Trainee Award,” says Momo. “I really worked hard and am humbled by the international recognition.”

When presenting the awards in Germany, VW’s chairman of the board of management, Martin Winterkorn, commented: “I am proud of the competence of our young employees. We are honouring the best of the best from Volkswagen worldwide. All of the award winners have demonstrated high commitment, excellent specialist knowledge and considerable skills during their training. With young specialists like them, we are strengthening the future orientation of our Group.”