As a founding member of 42 Wolfsburg, which opened in spring of 2021, Volkswagen recognised the potential of the novel peer-based training concept for its transformation to a software-centred mobility provider from the beginning. Together with its software subsidiary CARIAD, Volkswagen is once again expanding its dedication to promoting the next generation of highly qualified coding experts and – along with its partners Bayer, Capgemini, Microsoft, SAP and T-Systems – providing 42 Berlin with funding in the range of double-digit millions. Additionally, Volkswagen and CARIAD are making their global network and expertise available to the students, for example through mentoring programs and internships. Following 42 Wolfsburg, 42 Heilbronn and 42 Prague, 42 Berlin is the fourth iteration that the Volkswagen Group is funding as part of the 42 network.
On the occasion of the opening of the 42 Berlin programming school, Gunnar Kilian, the Member of the Board of Management for Human Resources and Truck & Bus at Volkswagen AG, said:
“Digital competence and IT expertise are central for the Volkswagen Group and will only grow in importance going forward. Supporting the 42 schools in Wolfsburg and now in the European tech hub Berlin is an important lever for us in driving our transformation to a software-centred mobility provider and providing us with access to highly qualified software programmers.”
For Volkswagen, software is increasingly becoming the most important unique selling point and the foundation for new, data-driven business models. In light of this, Rainer Zugehör, Chief People Officer of CARIAD, added:
“The car of the future is a smart digital device on wheels. At CARIAD, we work on the automated and networked car for the Volkswagen Group: to this end, we continuously expand our software expertise and are always looking for people who are enthusiastic, motivated and talented when it comes to tech topics. With 42 Berlin, we are supporting an important and innovative new pillar of software training in Berlin, an important development site for us and the fastest-growing tech hub in Europe.”
Volkswagen and CARIAD are providing a total of 11 mln euros in funding for 42 Berlin. Other Group brands have recognised the potential of 42 for the digital transformation as well and are also promoting the general-interest coding schools. Audi, for example, is providing around 1 mln euros in support for 42 Heilbronn and 42 Wolfsburg through 2025. Skoda has been funding 42 Prague since May of this year and will continue for a period of three years. Porsche is also involved in growing coding expertise and awards five scholarships each year for students of 42 Wolfsburg and 42 Heilbronn.
For Kilian, this is an important gesture:
“By supporting a total of four 42 iterations, we are leveraging crucial synergies within the Group and are taking a joint approach to dealing with the shortage of skilled workers. This demonstrates the power the Group has when we join forces and work together to tackle major strategic topics.”
