German apprenticeship model successful in the US
Uwe Scharfy, CEO of Baumer of America (BoA), was the first to initiate a training program in the state of New Jersey based on the German model. Together with Arconic and in cooperation with the German American Chamber of Commerce (GACC).
A new responsibility
Uwe Scharfy's long-standing commitment to training young talents was recently awarded another responsibility. The CEO was appointed Vice Chairman at the Apprenticeship Training Council of the GACC. He has worked hard to "bring a true German apprenticeship program to the U.S." and is therefore entrusted with this new position.
Our program is very similar to the one in Germany, though of course on a smaller scale. The apprentices are tested based on IHK guidelines just like their counterparts in Germany.
A real matter of the heart
In the United States it is becoming increasingly difficult to find qualified staff - at least that is what Baumer of America's experience shows. The training program in New Jersey is designed to qualify young people in particular and to prepare them well for their working life. "In addition, we not only benefit from the workers we train ourselves, but also from the experience gained by other companies that are establishing the German training program in their subsidiaries in the U.S.," adds Scharfy.
Daniel Finley graduates first
Three years ago, the first apprentice began his apprenticeship at BoA. This year, he will complete his training as a mechatronic. Other generations of apprentices will follow him. Before Daniel Finley and his fellow apprentices complete their training, they will have an internship abroad at Bäumer in Freudenberg, Germany. Uwe Scharfy explained: "During a four-week stay in Germany, they can experience live what training in Germany is like and get a better picture of it."
We are delighted that Daniel will soon be able to complete his apprenticeship as the first "in-house" mechatronic and that the first training cycle at BoA can be wrapped up as a great success.