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KARIEGA – The Volkswagen Group celebrated its 2024 Best Apprentices at a ceremony held in Wolfsburg, Germany, at the end of June. This annual accolade recognizes outstanding performance among apprentices training to become qualified artisans.
This year, 49 Volkswagen Group trainees from 41 locations across 19 countries worldwide were ceremoniously honored.
Kariega-based Melony Els-Thom proudly received this year’s Best Apprentice award at Volkswagen Group Africa. The 42-year-old exemplifies tenacity and unwavering determination. Her career at Volkswagen Group Africa began in 2005 as a temporary Quality Inspector. Although she pursued teaching at Midlands College for Early Childhood Development after her contract ended, her passion remained in motor manufacturing.
In 2017, Melony returned to Volkswagen Group Africa, seeking growth opportunities in the manufacturing sector. Within a year, she secured permanent employment, allowing her to pursue an apprenticeship in mechatronics at the Volkswagen Technical Learning Academy. Her successful application in 2020 marked the start of her apprenticeship journey. Now in her final year, she excels in tackling mechanical, electrical, and robotics challenges while gaining practical experience and on-the-job training at the plant.
Additionally, Melony is pursuing a Diploma in Management Operations at PMI Institute and N4 Electrical Engineering studies at PE College Struandale campus in Gqeberha. She has expressed a desire to delve deeper into Programmable Logic Control (PLC) Programming.
Melony stated that the Best Apprentice Award is about teamwork. She was one of five team members in her group and the only female. “The 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 achieve this recognition,” said Melony.
Despite her initial ambition to become a radiographer, Melony discovered her true passion later in life, demonstrating that it’s never too late to pursue a fulfilling career.
The Volkswagen Technical Learning Academy was established to create a pool of qualified artisans from within the company and the community. Russell Coleman, Volkswagen Group Africa Human Resources Director, emphasized that people development remains the company’s key priority. “We create an environment for continued learning. Our apprentices and artisans can compete globally against the best. We are proud of Melony’s achievement. Her determination and hard work have delivered superior results,” said Coleman.