CHATTANOOGA (AP) — Volkswagen is now accepting applications for its three-year apprenticeship program at its plant in Chattanooga.

The German automaker will select 12 apprentices each for its automation mechatronics and car mechatronics programs.

Run in partnership with Chattanooga State Community College, the apprentices alternate classroom and laboratory instruction with paid work experience at the Volkswagen plant. Upon graduation, the company extends apprentices conditional employment offers.

The new automation class will be the third since Volkswagen created the program in 2010, and the second focusing on car mechatronics. Areas of training include metal working, machining, welding, robotics and computer-assisted design.

The application deadline is June 30, and classes begin in August.