GACCs
Skills Update
March 2018
Successful Training Starts with a Great Trainer
A well-prepared trainer is one of the keys to any successful apprenticeship program, which is why the GACCs offer "Train the Trainer" courses as part of every program we certify. Read about our recently-completed course in Atlanta, GA below, and contact Nicole Heimann or Sinan Ordu to join upcoming courses.

Timeline for the 2018 cohort:

  • March 2018: Recruiting; development of company-specific training plans
  • April 2018: Recruiting, recruiting, recruiting!
  • May 2018: Window of opportunity closes for effectively reaching high school graduates; Train the Trainer workshop in Chicago, May 17-21
  • Summer 2018: Potential jobs/internships for apprentices; finalizing company-specific training plans
  • August 2018: Start of cohort 2018

Kind regards,

Virginia Attaway Rounds
Director, Skills Initiative & ICATT Apprenticeship Program
Get Certified with GACCs' Train the Trainer Seminars
GACC Midwest is excited to announce the first "Train the Trainer" seminar in Illinois on May 17 and 18, and the examination will take place on May 21. This seminar is free of charge for ICATT Network Companies and will allow a total of 15 trainers to get certified. We will offer multiple seminars at different locations to allow all companies and interested trainers to participate and get certified.

It is meant for trainers who interact directly with their apprentices. Its goal is to prepare trainers for the training situation with apprentices from different generations. This seminar will result in an international certification based on German standards and issued by the GACCs.

Please contact  Sinan Ordu or call (312) 585-8338.
Oakton Community College Joins the ICATT Apprenticeship Program
We are proud to announce our new partnership with Oakton Community College . The ICATT Apprenticeship Program and Oakton will work with local manufacturers to offer training for the Advanced Manufacturing Technician apprenticeship profile while the apprentices receive theoretical education at Oakton. Oakton Community College is the eighth ICATT Network College in Illinois that will be offering apprentices its Associate's Degree as part of the program’s fundamental training.

If you are located in the Oakton area and would like to work with us, please contact Joshua Seeberg or call (312) 494-2170.
Welcoming Rana Meal Solutions & GEKA Manufacturing Corp. to the ICATT Apprenticeship Program
The ICATT Apprenticeship Program is excited to see its network grow, and is looking forward to working with the manufacturing companies, Rana Meal Solutions and GEKA Manufacturing Corp. Both companies offer apprenticeships for Advanced Manufacturing Technicians.
Rana Meal Solutions , located in Bartlett, IL, offers a real Italian culinary experience by producing Italian pasta, sauces, meal solutions, and other recipes created for their customers. The company's focus lies on combining the highest quality ingredients with industry leading production capabilities and a passion for innovation.
GEKA Manufacturing Corp. is located in Elgin, IL and was founded as a brush factory in 1925. The company produces cosmetics applicators with a focus on mascara and plastics processing which comprises packaging systems and applicators for mascara, lip gloss, eyeliner, liquid eye shadow, nail polish, and care products as well as finished products.

If your company would like to participate in the ICATT Apprenticeship Program or for more information, please contact Joshua Seeberg or call (312) 494-2170.
GA CATT Starts New Cohorts in Coweta, Rockdale & Newton County
After successfully starting their first cohorts in 2016 and 2017, the GA CATT Apprenticeship Program clusters are getting ready for new apprentices in Coweta, Rockdale, and Newton County, GA . While educational partners recruit their best students to apply for the program, there is also an opportunity for new employers to become part of the GA CATT Apprenticeship Program. During the next weeks, several industry meetings will provide more information to employers who are interested in opportunities to grow their own skilled workforce.

For details about the industry meetings please visit www.gacatt.com or contact Greta Reue .
Open Posit ion: Join the ICATT Apprenticeship Program Team
GACC Midwest is looking to expand the ICATT team in Chicago, IL and is looking for:


This position will assist our Director, Skills Initiative & ICATT Apprenticeship Program, in our efforts to create new apprenticeship programs as well as manage existing programs in order to meet the skilled workforce needs of industry.

For the complete job description and to apply, please click here .
GACC South Welcomes New Skills Team Member
GACC South welcomes Greta Reue to join the Skills Initiative as a Coordinator. Greta brings more than 15 years of experience in the German apprenticeship system with her and joined the team in February. She started her career with an apprenticeship in Germany and pursued a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration with a focus on HR and especially the apprenticeship system. She will focus on the GA CATT Apprenticeship Program and support employers and mentors to carry out the high-level apprenticeship program in Georgia.
ICATT Apprenticeship Program now Registered with Wisconsin DWD
The ICATT Apprenticeship Program in Wisconsin is excited to announce that our Advanced Manufacturing Technician pathway is now a registered apprenticeship with the State of Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards.

ICATT Apprentices will receive three portable credentials - an Associate’s Degree, an international DIHK certification and a nationally recognized WI journeyman’s card as Industrial Maintenance Mechanic after successful completion of their three year apprenticeship.

On February 15, 2018 GACC Midwest , the WI Department of Workforce Development (DWD), Waukesha County Technical College , our local ICATT Network Companies and their apprentices gathered at Hermle Machine Company in Franklin, WI for an official signing ceremony.
Recap: U.S. Kick-Off AdA International - Train the Mentor
GACC South was very excited to kick-off the first U.S.-wide Train the Mentor training to certify “AdA International Trainers”, which is the highest International Certification for Apprenticeship Mentors accredited by the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs) and the German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHKs) . The purpose of this training is to provide the highest level of training to mentors, so that they have all the theoretical know-how and the practical knowledge needed to ensure that companies or colleges are training young professionals successfully and building a professionally skilled and motivated workforce for the future under internationally recognized standards. 23 participants participated in the first two courses in Atlanta and Newnan, GA. The mentors and college instructors are currently preparing themselves for their written and practical exams in March and April. We are crossing our fingers for them and wish them good luck!