Austin, Texas, and Koblenz, Germany, have developed, through theirSister City relationship, a unique and innovative apprentice exchangeprogram. Young Austinites go to Koblenz towork and study as apprentices for two to three years, and youngGermans come to Austin for advanced training and internships inAustin's high-tech sector.
This program has attracted a great deal of internationalattention, and several U. S. cities have indicated an interest indeveloping similar programs.
U.S. high school graduates who go directly on to a four-year college have a clear career path to follow, and can draw on extensive networks of assistance, including financial aid.
But those who, for one reason or another, do not follow this route are left to flounder for years until they eventually find a career.
In Europe, particularly in Germany, the apprenticeship system provides an alternative path for young high-school graduates. Apprenticeships are one of the best ways to prepare for many of the high-paying jobs of the future.
Unfortunately, except in a few of the construction trades, the United States has never developed a significant apprenticeship system. But there is no need to reinvent the wheel; we can learn from those who did.
Apprenticeships International
is a consulting organization headed by RenataAnderson, who was the U.S. founder of the Austin-Koblenz program. AI's purpose is to help other cities create similarinitiatives. By using the experience gained over the past years, webelieve we can significantly reduce the cost and--equallyimportant--the failure rate of such programs.
Our long-term goal is nothing less than a transformation of theschool-to-carreer sector of the U. S. educational system. Please contact us if you would like more information.
P. O. Box 161556
Austin, Texas 78716
Tel (512) 327-1730
Fax (512)327-4048
Email: info@austinalliance.com