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The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) and German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest (GACC Midwest) recently recognized Hermle Machine Co. for being the first employer in the state to introduce a new apprenticeship collaboration that follows the structure of the German apprenticeship system.

Hermle, based in Franklin, Wisconsin, has selected an employee to be the first apprentice once program structure, related instruction, occupation and other details are finalized. The structure of the three-year program will allow apprentices to register with the state, complete on-the-job training and earn an associate’s degree, with GACC Midwest providing expertise and certification along the away. The first Industry Consortium for Advanced Technical Training (ICATT) apprenticeship in Wisconsin will focus on industrial maintenance.

“At Hermle we understand how important building the next generation of skilled workers is, and it’s why we put so much effort into our apprenticeship program in Germany,” says Manuel Merkt, Hermle’s executive vice president of operations. “The jobs are here, but it’s up to manufacturing companies together with technical colleges to develop younger generations into skilled workers to meet the demands of the industry. With the ICATT program, we’re looking to inspire other companies to join us and invest in the future of manufacturing in America.”

Mario Kratsch, skills initiative director at GACC Midwest, said, “Apprenticeships work, not just in Germany, but also in the United States. ICATT is a one-stop-shop solution for companies of every size to join. It is an industry-driven program benchmarked to the highest international standards and directly addresses the challenges companies face today.”