German-American cooperation in workforce skills development will provide opportunities in local communities across the U.S.A. for good jobs, quality training and businesses that succeed in the US and global markets
WHO: | Host:German Ambassador Dr. Peter Ammon |
Keynote Speaker: Acting Secretary of Commerce Dr. Rebecca M. Blank | |
Guests:Dr. Volker Treier, Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK); CEOs of German-owned companies invested in the U.S. (Siemens, Volkswagen, BMW, ThyssenKrupp, Stihl, Steag, Zentis, KSB and others); Education and training providers; Experts from think tanks and academia | |
WHAT: | Roundtable forum, open to accredited media representatives. A short introduction of the Skills Initiative by Ambassador Ammon will be followed by the keynote speech, delivered by the Acting Secretary of Commerce, and a discussion on needs, policies, examples of successful approaches and best practices aimed at developing and securing a skilled workforce in an effort to promote growth, competitiveness, and high-quality jobs as a key challenge for both countries. |
WHEN: | Tuesday, January 29, 2013 |
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. | |
WHERE: | German Ambassador's Residence, |
1800 Foxhall Road, NW, Washington, DC 20007 |
ADDITIONAL/BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Throughout the U.S.A., German and American companies have identified workforce skills as a key challenge to their success. A skilled workforce constitutes the backbone of the economy and is a decisive competitive factor in investment decisions. It could also prove to be a key issue for future growth of the manufacturing industry in the U.S.A.
Germany has an excellent vocational training system called the "dual system." With its steps of "assistant" (Geselle) and "master" (Meister) it provides highly qualified personnel for companies of all size. The well skilled people trained in the dual system enjoy a high social status and generally have excellent professional perspectives. Germany's vocational training system is widely regarded as a major reason for the country's economic success. Based on their experience German companies could make a decisive contribution to demand-driven workforce skills development in the U.S.
Through the Skills Initiative, the German Embassy is bringing together German and American businesses and local education/training providers with the aim of developing training programs best suited to businesses' needs, particularly in the manufacturing sector.
http://www.germany.info/skillsinitiative
On December 5, 2012, Ohio Governor John Kasich and Ambassador Ammon co-hosted a meeting with CEOs of 12 German companies investing in Ohio to discuss future vocational training cooperation. Similar events are planned in Massachusetts and other states.
To arrange for accreditation to cover the event, please contact:
German Embassy, Press Department, Patrizia Ross
E-mail: pr-s2@wash.diplo.de / Tel: 1-202-298-4247
/PRNewswire-USNewswire -- Jan. 25, 2013/
SOURCE German Embassy
