U'hage trainees among VW Group's best

HARD work by two VWSA trainees in Uitenhage has been recognised on an international platform by their multinational head office in Germany.

Fanisile Momo, 43, and Simone Starkey, 23, recently returned from Germany where they were among 43 recipients from 18 countries of the Volkswagen Group's Best Trainee Awards.

Momo and Starkey were nominated by their managers for their exceptional performance during dual vocational work at the Uitenhage vehicle manufacturer.

Momo last year qualified as a mechatronics technician through VWSA's Technical Learning Academy.

For Momo, who lives in Uitenhage and works as a tool setter in the engine plant, it was his first overseas trip. "I really enjoyed it and made a lot of friends. I am very happy I could go to Germany," he said.

Rhodes University graduate Starkey's talents were first noticed at VWSA while she worked as a production purchasing buyer at the Uitenhage factory last year. She has since made the career shift to VWSA in Sandton where she now works as a dealer network management analyst.

Starkey said she had found the experience enriching and motivational.

Volkswagen Group chairman of the board of management Professor Dr Martin Winterkorn presented the awards in Germany. – Cindy Preller