German apprentices land at Madison College for study and work experience

Eight German students and their coordinator recently arrived at Madison College for a month-long Applied Manufacturing Program experience. 

Apprentices spent time in classroom activities from July 8-12 at the Truax Campus to gain understanding of U.S. manufacturing workplace expectations, American units of measure, and equipment. 

After a week of classroom learning, the students will spend three weeks at job sites such as Wisconsin-Built, Auburn Ridge, Carley Wood Associates, Isthmus Engineering & Manufacturing Co-op, and Big Sky Engineering. This program, a partnership between Madison College and Germany, focuses on sharing best practices in teaching, learning, and job skills for advanced carpenters and precision mechanics.

The program builds on a 40-year history of collaboration between Wisconsin and Hessen, aiming to advance education and job-skills training in both regions. The project aims to provide exchange program participants with improved professional education and better employment opportunities. The program is co-sponsored by the UW Center for German & European Studies and also funded by the German Ministry.