October 6, 2017
AHK USA Skills Update
More Resources, More Expertise, More Services for our Partners

2017 has brought a lot of great developments to German-style apprenticeships in the U.S. and we are happy to announce another one: the GACC Apprenticeship Award . Apply by October 12 and join us at the Award Ceremony on November 15 in Washington DC during National Apprenticeship Week.

In other news: Virginia Attaway Rounds has been named the new Director, Skills Initiative of GACC Midwest. With a degree in Mechanical Engineering and over 13 years of consulting experience with the German American business community, she will be a huge asset for the team, our cooperating companies, and partners .

GACC South is also looking to expand the team in Atlanta, GA with currently two open positions:

Enjoy this month's skills update and please feel free to reach out to us at any point.

Kind regards,
Mario Kratsch
Vice President
Watch Virginia's statement on apprenticeships at the Select USA Summit.
MANUFACTURING DAY 2017
Happy MFG DAY, everyone! In celebration of modern manufacturing and as an inspiration for future manufacturers, we celebrated with open houses at ICATT companies, including Principal Manufacturing, Scot Forge and GF Machining Solutions, as well as at Manufacturing Renaissance's event at the Austin College & Career Academy.

Next month, companies will open their doors during the third annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW). From November 13-19, 2017, the younger generation will have the opportunity to learn more about career options through apprenticeships, and manufacturing companies can showcase their facilities and technologies. Contact Sinan Ordu ( [email protected]) or call (312) 585-8338 to join us.
GACCs Announce Apprenticeship Award 2017
The GACCs are proud to announce the first “Apprenticeship Award” to honor outstanding apprenticeship programs aligned to the German standards in the US. The award celebrates one company for their leadership in workforce development through implementing German-style apprenticeship programs. The award honors their investment in education and the creation of valuable career pathways for future generations. The application deadline is October 12, 2017.
The Apprenticeship Award Ceremony is held on November 15, 2017 in Washington, D.C. during the event: “Bridging the skills gap – US-German cooperation for competitiveness” as part of the National Apprenticeship Week.

Date and time
November 15th, 2017 – 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Location
Representative of German Industry and Trade (RGIT)
1130 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 1200, Washington, D.C. 20036
STIHL apprentices successfully complete first step towards Mechatronics Technicians careers

A perfect example for cross-border cooperation: STIHL's headquarters for U.S. operations in Virginia Beach (VA), might be 900 miles away from Chicago, but they started their apprenticeship program with GACC Midwest in 2015. After two years of dual training, six highly motivated apprentices passed their Mechatronics Technician exam part 1 in September.
GACC Midwest also supports German company IMS Gear in VA. In 2016, IMS Gear started their first cohort of Mechatronics Technician apprentices. We encourage companies that are interested in starting or certifying their own apprenticeship programs to get in touch with Maximilian Tratzmiller ( [email protected]) or call (312) 585-8310.
Hermle Machine Company: Wisconsin's first ICATT company
On September 6, 2017 Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch joined Department of Workforce Development 's (DWD) Secretar y Ray Allen, GACC Midwest officials and other p artners to recognize Hermle Machine Company in Franklin (WI) as the first ICATT employer in the state.

Hermle started their first ICATT cohort of Industrial Maintenance Technicians last month. Manuel Merkt, Executive Vice President of Operations, is convinced the investment in ICATT pays off : 'We understand how important building the next generation of skilled workers is. With ICATT, we’re looking to inspire other companies to join us and invest in the future of manufacturing in America.'

Kleefisch herself commented: 'Wisconsin's job creators need a robust set of tools to attract and train workers to stay competitive in the national and global economy. Today, Wisconsin welcomes a proven, successful collaboration between the private sector, the state’s apprenticeship program, and GACC Midwest. We thank Hermle Machine Co. for its enthusiasm in advancing this opportunity in our state.'
German Delegation visits Rome Floyd Chamber, GA
German Consul General Detlev Ruenger, President & CEO of GACC South Stefanie Jehlitschka and AGCO's Chairman, President and CEO Martin Richenhagen visited Rome (GA) on August 29, 2017. Rome Floyd Chamber hosted a lunch with the local government, business and educational leaders who learned about solutions to develop a highly skilled workforce and how GACC apprenticeship programs can assist. Read more on their visit.
International Apprenticeship Exchange
GACC South hosted an exchange for German Chambers of Commerce Abroad experts from the U.S., Mexico, Paraguay and Peru. They were joined by Steffen Bayer, Director of Vocational Education and Training Abroad of DIHK e.V. Bayer presented an update on quality assurance and process management in apprenticeship programs. Jürgen Siegle, Head of PAL, discussed with the participants how to handle confidentiality and security restrictions regarding the fast-growing apprenticeship programs. The group visited Volkswagen's Chattanooga facility to experience their apprenticeship program. Join our International Skills Conference in Atlanta, GA on October 31 to network and discuss your participation in apprenticeship programs with international skills experts.
REGISTER NOW!
'Overcoming the Workforce Crisis through Apprenticeship Programs' - October 17, 2017
GACC Midwest and the Union League Club of Chicago (ULCC) are hosting a panel and networking event on apprenticeship programs and workforce development on October 17.

We are looking forw ard to an interesting panel with:

Additionally, the event will include networking opportunities and will be open to the press.

Date and time
Tuesday, October 17, 2017 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location
Union League Club of Chicago (ULCC) | 65 W. Jackson Blvd. | Chicago, IL 60604
Registration
There is no event fee, but registration is required. If you are no ULCC member, you may register here .
Please note: ULCC maintains a ‘business casual’ dress code.
NEW DATE: International Skills Conference - October 31
The conference aims to bring together business champions in  Apprenticeship Programs  modeled after the German system with business, regional and state leaders who are interested in solutions for large as well as small and middle-sized employers to grow a globally competitive, highly skilled workforce.
Some of the Conference Highlights include:
  • Evening Reception & Inauguration of the GACC South Skills Committee on October 30
  • Overview of the Skills Initiative in the United States
  • Information about and exchange with stakeholders of our innovative and industry-led programs
  • Field trips to West Georgia Tech College and Grenzebach Corporation
  • Optional: Volkswagen plant tour in Chattanooga, TN on October 30

Date and time
Oct. 31: Conference & Field trips to West Georgia Tech College and Grenzebach Corporation

Click here for the full agenda. Register here!

$185 for Conference Only | $215 for Conference + Volkswagen Plant Tour
3300 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 30305