TOWER BARRACKS, Germany – The chamber of commerce recognized USAG Bavaria’s first integrated technology apprentice during an event at the city of Regensburg’s soccer stadium Jan. 24, 2025.
The apprentice Samuel Schmidt received the honor while Host Nation Apprenticeship Program lead Ann-Kathrin Hartmann and IT project manager and apprenticeship trainer Christian Dilling accompanied him.
An apprenticeship in the German system allows interns to obtain on-the-job training while also attending a vocational school. The program provides an innovative way to supplement and rejuvenate the local national segment of the garrison workforce.
“Apprenticeships make us better,” said Jürgen Helmes, chamber of commerce chief executive officer, during his opening remarks. “German apprenticeship is a springboard for shaping the world.
“Your apprenticeship trainers are persons of trust,” Helmes continued. “Confide in your apprenticeship trainers. Especially when it comes to situations where we are struggling with the new environment, when we feel unhappy, when we are even thinking about quitting – the best advice might come from your apprenticeship trainers. You are a strong team!”
“If you're struggling, keep going - and I promise you, you'll be more successful than you've ever been!” said guest speaker and motivation coach Lorena Bittner.
Dilling spoke very positively about the event as well, calling it “a great afternoon spent with great people.”
“This is how to connect,” he said.
Schmidt, who is known as being the one and only employee in history to sign his working contract at the German-American Volksfest recruitment booth, was excited to attend this special event shortly after joining the USAG Bavaria team.
“I had a great time at the event - amazing atmosphere and a fantastic location,” said Schmidt. “I'd definitely recommend it for future apprenticeships!”
If you are interested in the USAG Bavaria Apprenticeship Program, please contact the Workforce Development at usarmy.bavaria.id-europe.list.dhr-workforce-development@army.mil.
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