The Three Pillars

The successful “exchange before the exchange” is the primary objective of the “Partnerships for the future – Vocational Schools Meet Community Colleges: Dialogue on Apprenticeship Exchange” project. Representatives from German vocational schools and US community colleges are given the opportunity to discuss topics relevant to apprentice exchange programs and to get to know each other. In doing so, they can develop a solid transatlantic apprentice exchange program concept together. The structure of an apprentice exchange program is customizable and receives support from the AHK USA-Chicago, especially during the initial development and partner-finding phases. The concrete implementation of a transatlantic apprentice exchange then lies with the vocational schools and community colleges.

This project facilitates the first connections between German vocational schools and community colleges in the US. Its goal is to establish sustainable exchange programs for apprentices through networking events, workshops, and targeted support. The AHK USA-Chicago actively assists with initial contact and project development.

1. Finding a Program Partner – Virtual Networking Meetings

Twice a year, the project hosts virtual networking meetings for German vocational schools and US community colleges. These sessions offer instructors a low-barrier way to connect, share ideas, and explore potential apprentice exchange programs. Interactive workshops, breakout rooms, and a web-based map (coming soon!) facilitate finding partners and developing concepts. Schools can present exchange ideas or simply explore possibilities, making it easy to take the first steps toward sustainable transatlantic partnerships.

2. Bilateral Connections – Support for Transatlantic School Partnerships

The project supports German vocational schools and US community colleges in finding partners and building sustainable collaborations. AHK USA-Chicago facilitates connections, advises on project plans and funding applications, and continues to assist partnerships after the initial contact. The goal is to overcome communication barriers, bridge educational systems, and implement concrete exchange projects—from initial matchmaking to moderating virtual meetings.

3. Program Ideas and Best Practices – Virtual Workshops

Participants from German vocational schools and U.S. community colleges collaborate in virtual workshops to develop concrete ideas for transatlantic exchange programs. Experts also share best practices, their experiences with different education systems, and funding opportunities for exchange initiatives.

  • Workshop 1: Successfully Planning an Apprentice Exchange – Determine and Develop the Basics
  • Workshop 2: Implementing an Exchange with Best Practices Examples from German and US Perspectives
  • Workshop 3: School Partners of Apprenticeships – Differences and Similarities DE – USA
  • Workshop 4: Intercultural Competencies and Communication during Exchange

Upcoming Events

Intercultural Training – Cultural Competency for Educational Partnerships

In our interactive workshop, you will learn proven methods for overcoming cultural barriers and developing sustainable partnerships. Exciting case studies will teach you interesting facts about US/German culture and communication, enabling you to use targeted intercultural know-how to create long-term educational partnerships and exchange programs that really work. 

When: September 29, 9:30am – 10:30am CDT (4:30pm – 5:30pm CET)
Where: Zoom

REGISTER HERE

Partnerships for the Future – Find Your Transatlantic Student Exchange Partner: Virtual Networking Event

Ready to build a transatlantic partnership that makes an impact? 

Partnerships for the Future brings together German vocational schools and U.S. community colleges in a virtual networking format designed to spark meaningful collaboration. After many successful connections, study visits, and implemented apprentice exchanges, we’re excited to once again offer you the opportunity to find your international partner. 

This session offers a simple, low-barrier way for community college educators and program leads to connect, share ideas, and explore concepts for transatlantic apprenticeship exchanges. 

When: November 10, 9:30am – 10:45am CDT (4:30pm – 5:45pm CET)
Where: Zoom

REGISTER HERE

Intercultural Training – Education Systems in Germany and the US

In this interactive session, we’ll break down how apprenticeships fit into Germany’s education landscape, compare it to the U.S. approach to career and technical education, and explore where the two systems align — and where they diverge. 

You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of both systems’ strengths, practical insights into how apprenticeship models can complement community college programs, and fresh ideas for building international partnerships grounded in mutual understanding. 

When: December 9, 9:30am – 10:45am CDT (4:30pm – 5:45pm CET)
Where: Zoom

REGISTER HERE

School Directory

If you wish to connect with any of the schools found below, please contact Myriam Klein here or email klein@gaccmidwest.org

Want to add your school? Fill out the form here!

To use the School Directory:

  • Filter by Germany or United States based on where you are looking for programs
  • Find the specific programs you’re looking for under the checkboxes
    • You can choose multiple checkboxes at once
    • To reset the filter, hit the reset button next to the checkboxes
  • If just browsing the map, click on the dots to find the name, description, location and link to a partner school
Filter by

The project is supported by the

Transatlantic Program of the Federal Republic of Germany,

funded by the European Recovery Program (ERP)

                                of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate (BMWE)