The German American Chambers of Commerce are presenting the GACC Award, recognizing outstanding German subsidiaries that demonstrate excellence in workforce training by fostering advanced skills and competence development, especially in young people. At 7.9%, Germany has the lowest youth unemployment rate of any industrialized nation in the world. This is largely thanks to the traditional German vocational apprenticeship path, chosen by 55% of all school graduates. Opportunities to gain specialized technical skills significantly improve job prospects. High-level vocational training offers students viable leads to advanced employment positions and gives companies a powerful tool for filling workforce needs across a spectrum of specialties and positions. We encourage companies to bring forward their best talent and submit a nomination for the "Trainee of the Year" award. Application deadline: November 9, 2015
Jury members: Thomas Bals, Professor of Vocational Education University of Osnabrück, School of Educational and Cultural Studies Thomas A. DiPrete, Professor of Sociology, Columbia University Board Director, CAPSEE (Center for Postsecondary Education and Employment) Friedrich Hubert Esser, President BIBB Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training Nakisha Evans, Director - Office of Workforce Partnerships CUNY Continuing Education and Workforce Programs Katherine S. Newman, Provost & Senior Vice Chancellor University of Massachusetts, Amherst Yorck Sievers, Director AHK Vocational Education and Training DIHK Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce Richard Zollinger, Vice President for Learning & Workforce Development Central Piedmont Community College, Charlotte, North Carolina Award Description: The Trainee of the Year will receive the GACC Award on Dec. 14, 2015 in New York City. The ceremony is part of presentation of the German American Business Outlook, an economic survey conducted by the German American Chamber network in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Washington. 250 guests are expected to attend; the event is taking place at the Thomson Reuters HQ in Midtown Manhattan. More info at www.ahk-usa.com/gabo Sponsored by Festo, the finalist will win a one week roundtrip to Germany, to experience a customized program of cultural and historical highlights organized by the German American Chambers of Commerce. We look forward to your submission by November 9, 2015! Please include a photo of the trainee and send it electronically to nmichels@gaccny.com. 2 Entry Form GACC AWARD 2015
How to apply With this award, we would like to recognize excellence in vocational education and training. The award acknowledges the opportunities created by employers and applauds the initiative employees have shown during their training. Participation Requirements: Trainee is nominated by his/her employer (German, Austrian or Swiss subsidiary in the U.S.); Trainee is a U.S. citizen; Trainee works full-time and receives remuneration; Overall training lasts a minimum of 2 years; Training follows a standardized program/curriculum; Physical separation of work and learning spaces; Training is conducted by a designated trainer; Trainee receives a certificate at the end of training. The employee shows extraordinary aptitude and capabilities: Outstanding work ethics Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Very good team player Initiative in the workplace Has professional development goals Part A (to be completed by the employer/supervisor) 1) Some quick facts about your training program. 2) How did this trainee contribute to your business and employees? 3) Describe the trainee s attitude and commitment to his/her work, including examples that show initiative in the workplace. Part B (to be completed by the employee) 1) Why did you choose this particular training field? 2) Tell us about your career goals after completing your traineeship. 3) Briefly describe your achievements in the workplace and/or field of study. You may include work samples and/or photos of your work. 4) How did training further your development? Part C (Personal interview with the finalists) assist in the selection process, finalists will be interviewed. Trainees must be nominated by their employer. To Submission deadline is November 9, 2015. Please include a photo of the trainee and send it electronically to nmichels@gaccny.com. 3 Application Details GACC AWARD 2015
Your information will be kept confidential. Before handing in your application, please make sure all fields are filled out! Trainee details: Name: Phone: Email:.. Employer details: Company name: Contact: Title: Business address: Phone: Email: 3 Application Details GACC AWARD 2015
Part A (to be completed by the employer/supervisor) Title of traineeship: Start date: Duration: 2 years 3 years 4 years Trainee remuneration 0-15,000 15,000-25,000 25,000-45,000 ($ gross annual income) 45,000-65,000 over 65,000 Qualifications necessary none high School high School & work experience college degree college degree & work experience other Structure of training What is your % of similarity of the training program to the German/Swiss/Austrian vocational System? <10% 11% - 50% 51% - 70% >71% Time spent on training in relation to work 10-20% 21-40% 41-60% 61-80% Location of training in-house community/technical college career center other Trainer qualification In-house employee with specific trainer role Designated trainer External resource/institutional/teacher Certification Trainee takes a final exam Trainee receives a certificate If yes, what kind? 5 Part A GACC AWARD 2015
Part A (to be completed by the employer/supervisor) How did this trainee contribute to your business? Describe the trainee s attitude and commitment to his/her work. 6 Part A GACC AWARD 2015
Part B (to be completed by the employee) Why did you choose this particular training field? Tell us about your career goals after completing your traineeship. 7 Part B GACC AWARD 2015
Briefly describe your achievements in the workplace. 8 Part B GACC AWARD 2015
How did training further your professional development? 9 Part B GACC AWARD 2015