Transatlantic webinar on practice-oriented training

On 19/11/2004, the virtual networking format “Advancing Apprenticeship: An International Collaboration” offered a platform for representatives from the US Ministry of Labor, from the State of Wisconsin, and from leading German institutions. Participants included high-profile speakers such as the German Consul General Michael Ahrens, Mike Qualter from the US Ministry of Labor, Wisconsin’s Workforce Development Secretary Amy Pechacek, Professor Hubert Ertl (Deputy President of the German Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training, BIBB), Michele Carter (Administrator for the Division of Employment and Training in the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, DWD), Professor Henning Klaffke from the Vocational University of Hamburg, and David Polk, Director of the DWD Apprenticeship Bureau.

A tradition which binds

The USA boasts an impressive history of apprentice training which extends all the way back to 1911. The first Apprentice Training Act created standards which still require employers to remunerate their trainees for practical work and for time spent in the classroom. “Our apprenticeship programmes are a success,” stated Amy Pechacek with pride. “We are seeing rising participant numbers for the third year in succession.” She pointed out that the Inflation Reduction Act, which supports investment in infrastructure, housing construction, childcare and parental leave, has had a material impact in terms of advancing the training programmes and tapping into the state’s skilled worker potential more effectively. “The boundaries between academic and vocational training are becoming increasingly blurred,” stressed Dirk Schulz from the German Consulate General in Chicago. He felt that exciting prospects were being opened up by the usage of artificial intelligence and new technologies in particular.

Mike Qualter from the US Ministry of Labor praised the in-depth dialogue between the two countries and highlighted the significance of “National Apprenticeship Week”, which was taking place in the USA for the tenth time.

Michele Carter and David Polk from Wisconsin emphasised the importance of encouraging companies to invest in talent and how this is key for developing a strong workforce that is fit for the future.

A further inspiring contribution was provided by Professor Dr. Hubert Ertl, who made reference to the American philosopher John Dewey. Dewey’s vision of education in a democracy centres on promoting critical thought and societal benefits. Professor Dr. Ertl reiterated that education and training in the modern world relies on collaboration and on overcoming the isolation of a compartmentalised approach. This led perfectly into a description of the innovative model behind the Vocational University of Hamburg by Professor Henning Klaffke. His presentation resulted in a lively debate amongst the 60 participants. One thing which clearly emerged was that vocational education and training needs to be structured flexibly and sustainably in order to meet the requirements of a globalised world. “Lifelong learning, dealing with disinformation and the integration of short, practice-oriented training courses are all crucial,” asserted Professor Klaffke. Addressing the potential offered by AI was a particularly fascinating aspect, although this area was also fraught with risks such as “AI hallucinations”.

Record figures in Wisconsin

2023 was a record year for Wisconsin. 16,384 registered apprentices and 2,900 participating employers reflect the success being achieved by the programmes. Involvement by young people was especially high – 8,357 participants and 5,719 employers.

The broad spectrum of training occupations, over 180 different occupations across numerous sectors, ranges from construction and industry to growing areas such as healthcare, IT, teaching and the environment.

Further information on Wisconsin’s apprenticeship programmes is available at: Wisconsin Apprenticeship