Volkswagen will begin accepting applications today for production positions at its new Chattanooga auto plant.

Applications must be submitted online, according to Guenther Scherelis, general manager of communication for Volkswagen's Chattanooga operation.

Priority will be given to qualified Hamilton County residents, Mr. Scherelis said.

Many area colleges are opening computer labs to applicants, including Chattanooga State Community College, Cleveland State Community College, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Georgia Northwestern Technical College, Northwest Alabama Community College. Applicants can also apply at several career centers throughout the region.

Hiring for production positions will begin in early 2010. Production at the $1 billion plant is to start in early 2011. The German automaker is expected to hire more than 2,000 people to man its Chattanooga operation at Enterprise South.

For more information, applicants should call 1-866-578-2124 or visit www.vwjobschattanooga.com.