KMMG Opens Application Process for Second Wave of Hiring
Posted on November 3rd, 2009 by Patrick Sands
Nov. 3, 2009 (West Point, Ga.) — For the first time since February 2008, Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. (KMMG) has opened its online application process. Anyone interested in a production or maintenance team member position at KMMG’s West Point, Ga., assembly facility can fill out an application on the Web site www.KiaJobsInGeorgia.com. Unlike the first application period, which was limited to 30 days, this time the application process will remain open indefinitely.
“We already have 1,200 individuals who have made it through the application, assessment and training process to become Kia team members making the new Kia Sorento, said Randy Jackson, KMMG’s director of human resources and administration. “We want to ask everybody else who’s interested in joining us as part of the second wave of hiring, ‘Can you make it?’
The West Point facility recently began production of the Sorento at a time when global sales for Kia Motors have been growing faster than all expectations.
“We have re-opened the application process because we want everyone to have the chance to become part of one of the best global success stories today, Jackson added.
As before, the online-only application process was designed by Georgia Quick Start in partnership with Kia. Quick Start is also Kia’s partner in the operation of the Kia Georgia Training Center, which is the first stop for candidates invited to join the Kia team.
Another reason KMMG decided to re-open the online application process is to offer the opportunity to the hundreds of experienced, qualified people who weren’t looking for a job two years ago, but who have been impacted by recent plant closings.
“There are many qualified individuals who were secure in their employment a couple years ago, but who have lost their jobs since then, Jackson said. “We’d love to have them join our team.
“Job losses in Georgia have hurt workers who need and want to work, said Georgia Department of Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond. “The opportunities being created by Kia are a great contribution to our state’s recovery. To support the effort, all of our 53 Career Centers around the state are ready to provide assistance to anyone who needs to get online to apply.
Ron Jackson, commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia, said he’s been impressed by the commitment of individuals to prepare themselves with the skills they need to compete for jobs in sophisticated industries like auto manufacturing. “Our technical colleges have seen a significant increase in people seeking the training they need to compete for jobs like those at Kia. With the right training and a strong work ethic, our students are prepared for success.
“Can You Make It?”
In addition to the experienced employees now available on the job market, many individuals who applied to KMMG during the first application period have added experience and training over the past two years making them more prepared to meet the challenges of becoming a Kia team member, Jackson said. Those individuals who previously applied online are encouraged to re-apply and update their work histories.
Jackson said all of these individuals — both veteran employees and newly trained — are ideal candidates to become the “industrial athletes Kia is looking for.
“We’re promoting this application process by asking ‘Can You Make It?’ because it’s a challenge to make the team, Jackson said. “Our team members go through rigorous training to prepare them for real challenges they’ll face on the production line.
Production team members will assemble the cars. The maintenance team members will keep the assembly equipment up and running smoothly in the fast-paced, highly automated 21st century facility.
“After you’ve applied, if you meet our qualifications, we’ll invite you for an interview, Jackson said, explaining the assessment and selection process. “If you pass the interview, we’ll invite you to the 40-hour, pre-employment assessment training delivered by Quick Start at the Kia Georgia Training Center. And if you pass that, there are still two or three further steps before the final job offer.
Jackson said such a rigorous process is the only way to make sure each individual is satisfied with his or her decision to join the Kia team.
“Some people decide this is what they’ve always been looking for, and others decide it’s not for them, Jackson concluded.
“The ones who stick it out, though, are the ones who will make Kia history.
“We Made It!” — View video of KMMG team members who have already made it. Go to www.KiaJobsInGeorgia.com/WeMadeIt.
Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. (KMMG) is the first manufacturing site in North America for Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, Korea. KMMG is located on 2,200 acres in West Point, Georgia, and is scheduled to begin production in the last quarter of 2009. At full capacity, the plant will have the ability to produce 300,000 vehicles annually and employ approximately 2,500 team members.
