eXplore Tires Manufacturing Graduate Trainee

THE COMPANY

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2023, Continental generated preliminary sales of €41.4 billion and currently employs around 200,000 people in 56 countries and markets.

With its premium portfolio in the car, truck, bus, two-wheel and specialty tire segment, the Tires group sector stands for innovative solutions in tire technology. Intelligent products and services related to tires and the promotion of sustainability complete the product portfolio. For specialist dealers and fleet management, Tires offers digital tire monitoring and tire management systems, in addition to other services, with the aim of keeping fleets mobile and increasing their efficiency. With its tires, Continental makes a significant contribution to safe, efficient and environmentally friendly mobility. 

Continental Tire has been around for nearly 150 years, we’ve been changing the way the world moves while making it more safe, smart, sustainable and accessible to all. Our Sumter location is seeking a eXplore Tires Manufacturing  Graduate Trainee to join our Production team. 

Are you ready to shape the future with us?

• Introduction to technologies and machines in PLT/CVT Plant - department rotation, a deeper introduction to plant operation
• Introduction to production processes, Rubber Technologies, Material’s flow and Components in order to gain in-depth operational knowledge about the production process  
• 4 month shopfloor experience including shift work
• Manufacturing/Engineering projects within the plant
• Rotations to other departments in order to get an insight into the collaboration of all departments​
• Establish and maintain a network throughout the plant
• Central projects (Manufacturing/Engineering, R&D, business perspective)
• Fulfil central training plan in order to gain technical knowledge, competencies and capabilities in the processes of the manufacturing environment​ and to develop an understanding of the tire business and structure
• Establish and maintain a network with the central departments and international trainees
• 1/2 month in one of Continental's Marketing & Sales organizations
• General overview about the overall M&S Strategy and the tasks & responsibilities of a M&S department 
• 1st hand experience by working together with direct sale in a tire shop / during customer visits 
• Ensure implementation of measures and maintain controls, raise awareness and provide information about ESH responsibilities and duties, ensure immediate notification and response, and initiate preventive measures in case of unsafe or polluting hazards, demonstrate exemplary personal behavior in ESH and motivate others
• Other duties as assigned by manager

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering or related field
• Project Management Experience
• At least 2 months of International internship/study abroad/working in a multicultural and international team
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. Continental is not able to offer visa support.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

What Can You Expect?

The eXplore Tire Manufacturing & Engineering Graduate Program covers a time frame of up to 18 months and is split into two main phases.

Phase 1 – Practical Experience

Quality comes from experience. To gain a broad knowledge of tire production, you will start the program with hands-on experience in a real production setting, where you will stay for 10–16 months. After that, you should be ready for the next big challenge: your first project at the plant.

Phase 2 – Central Placement

After this initial experience, you will be assigned to a pool of graduates in Hanover for 6–9 months, together with other manufacturing and engineering graduates from all over the world. By participating in a number of exciting projects, you will learn about the tire development process and our global Continental business model. This experience will broaden your knowledge and you will acquire new skills by attending a number of technical training programs. You will be given the opportunity to use your soft skills and build up a global network. In this way, you can forge long-lasting relationships with future colleagues from around the world.  In addition to working on projects in the areas of manufacturing and engineering, you will have the unique opportunity to gain an insight into the research and development processes for tires. In addition, you will collaborate with other eXplore Tires graduates on a global business contract. During this time, you will present your project results to our top management.

EEO-Statement:

EEO / AA / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Continental offers equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to unlawful consideration to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. In addition, as a federal contractor, Continental complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities, where they apply. To be considered, you must apply for a specific position for which Continental has a current posted job opening. Qualifying applications will be considered only for the specific opening(s) to which you apply. If you would like to be considered for additional or future job openings, we encourage you to reapply for other opportunities as they become available. Further, Continental provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance in the application process, please reply to [email protected] or contact US Recruiting at 248.393.5566. This telephone line and email address are reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requesting accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Please do not call about the status of your job application, if you do not require accessibility assistance or an accommodation. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or non-disability related technical issues, will not receive a call back.

Ready to drive with Continental? Take the first step and fill in the online application.