March 19, 2025 – nearly one thousand graduates employed at Volkswagen Poznan, access to innovative technologies, dual studies, cooperation in the use of artificial intelligence, creation of curricula for fields related to the automotive industry of the future – these are just some of the results of the cooperation between Poznan University of Technology and Volkswagen Poznan, the largest employer in the region.
Exactly 20 years ago, the Poznan university and Volkswagen Poznan began their partnership. “This decision turned out to be a bull's eye,” says Jolanta Musielak, member of the board for human resources and organization at Volkswagen Poznan. She adds, “We were fortunate to work with highly committed partners among the university’s leadership. Thanks to them, we can today say we have succeeded. The best proof is that about one thousand graduates of this university already work in our plants, often holding key roles in our teams.”
Poznan University of Technology and Volkswagen Poznan: 20 years together
The first agreement was signed on March 18, 2005. One of the flagship examples of cooperation has long been dual studies. Poznan University of Technology and the automotive factory were among the first in Poland to introduce this innovative education model. What does it mean in practice? Students of automation and robotics combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. This solution benefits both sides: students learn the latest technologies used in the automotive industry, including programming controllers and industrial robots on the production line. The dual studies culminate in an engineering thesis, most of which are implemented in production. The company invests in its future employees. Graduates of dual studies have the rare advantage of two years’ professional experience upon graduation.
“Cooperation between academia and business has brought and will continue to bring benefits to both sides,” summarizes Prof. Teofil Jesionowski, Rector of Poznan University of Technology. He continues, “This is especially visible today in such a rapidly changing reality. Thanks to the partnership, our students have access to the latest technologies. Our university equips them with essential knowledge and access to an innovative scientific environment that inspires them in their future careers.”
Practical experience for students
A practical dimension is, among others, cooperation with student scientific clubs such as PUT Motorsport and PUT Renovation. Since 2014, PUT Motorsport designs, builds, and tests combustion and recently electric racing cars to compete in Formula Student competitions. The team has reached such professional heights that in recent years they return from competitions with national and international trophies. PUT Renovation is a group of vintage car enthusiasts currently restoring a 1963 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, with Volkswagen Poznan employees assisting students in preparing and painting the car body.
Another example of successful science-business synergy is the “Be the best” contest, where student teams develop innovative projects addressing real problems faced daily by company employees. A major success was a project to shorten the response time to production line failures. Previously, failure information was displayed on monitors around the production hall, requiring employees to constantly watch screens. The idea was to replace these with mobile devices. Now, smartwatch notifications alert workers to failures and stoppages with exact location and time. This allows employees to react faster and send information to specialists with a single click. This solution is now used in many Volkswagen plants.
Future plans: electromobility and new competencies
What’s next? Talks are underway to establish a second-cycle degree program in electromobility. The plan includes students attending selected classes and voluntary internships at Volkswagen Poznan, with paid compensation.
“The automotive industry is currently undergoing the biggest revolution in history. This relates not only to the transition to electromobility but also to expanding competencies in product development. We are already recruiting for the Development Department, where we plan to double employment. We seek people with unique competencies in the market—engineers, designers, software experts, and developers of electronic systems in vehicles. We are confident that cooperation with Poznań University of Technology will prepare students for the challenges facing the automotive industry of the future,” says Jolanta Musielak.
