The Volkswagen Group announced their 2024 Best Apprentices at a ceremony held in Wolfsburg, Germany at the end of June. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This accolade is given every year in recognition of outstanding performance from apprentices who are training to become qualified artisans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kariega-based Melony Els-Thom is the proud recipient of this year\u2019s Best Apprentice award at Volkswagen Group Africa. The 42-year-old embodies tenacity and unwavering determination. Her career began at Volkswagen Group Africa as a temporary employee in 2005, where she worked as a Quality Inspector. Although she pursued teaching at Midlands College for Early Childhood Development at the end of her contract, her heart remained in motor manufacturing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2017, she returned to Volkswagen Group Africa, seeking opportunities to grow in the manufacturing sector, and within a year, she secured permanent employment. This pivotal move allowed Melony to pursue her long-awaited dream\u2014an apprenticeship in mechatronics at the Volkswagen Technical Learning Academy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her successful application in 2020 marked the start of her apprenticeship journey. Now in her final year, she thrives on mechanical, electrical, and robotics challenges. Simultaneously, she gains practical experience and on-the-job training at the plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Part time, Melony continues her Diploma in Management Operations at PMI Institute and N4 Electrical Engineering studies at the PE College Struandale campus in Gqeberha, expressing a desire to delve deeper into Programmable Logic Control (PLC) Programming. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Melony said the Best Apprentice Award is about teamwork. She was one of five team members in her group and the only female. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe award boosted my confidence in achieving my career goals. I am extremely grateful to my instructors, mentors, and fellow team members for their unwavering support. Even though I was named Best Apprentice, I feel my team helped me to achieve this recognition.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Melony discovered her true passion later in life\u2014a reminder that it\u2019s never too late to pursue a fulfilling career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Russell Coleman, Volkswagen Group Africa Human Resources Director, said people-development remains the company\u2019s key priority. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe create an environment for continued learning. Our apprentices and artisans are able to compete globally against the best. We are proud of Melony\u2019s achievement. Her determination and hard work have delivered superior results,\u201d said Coleman. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Volkswagen Group announced their 2024 Best Apprentices at a ceremony held in Wolfsburg, Germany at the end of 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