GACCPIT

  Join us at the Energy Innovation Center for the Annual Ice Gala! On January 28, 2017, we will hold our annual Ice Gala at the Energy Innovation Center. The Ice Gala is the Signature Event of 2017 for the Pittsburgh Chapter of the German American Chamber of Commerce with high visibility and a C-level audience. You can expect music, an alpine-themed “Ice Room” that will include Ice Sculptures, Glühwein, and more, VIP speakers, great food, a silent auction and a knock-out view of the city. The event will be held at the Energy Innovation Center*. Saturday. January 28, 2017 VIP Reception: 5-6 pm Gala: 6-10 pm Proceeds benefit our apprenticeship initiative. What is the apprenticeship Initiative? In a world of high youth unemployment, where the supply of skilled labor often fails to match employer demand, Germany believes help can be found in its Dual Vocational Training System —a time-tested economic model. This program, many supporters believe, is the reason why Germany has the lowest jobless rate among young people of any industrialized nation in the world—around 7 percent or 8 percent. With so many Americans struggling to find employment after graduating high school and college it might be worth asking: Can the German approach be brought to the U.S.? The German concept is simple: After students complete their mandatory years of schooling, usually around age 18, they apply to a private company for a two or three year training contract. If accepted, the government supplements the trainee’s on-the-job learning with more broad-based education in his or her field of choice at a publicly funded vocational school. Usually, trainees spend three to four days at work and one to two in the classroom. At the end, the theory goes, they come out with both practical and technical skills to compete in a global market, along with a good overall perspective on the nature of their profession. They also receive a state certificate for passing company exams, designed and administered by industry groups—a credential that allows transfer to similarly oriented businesses should the training company not retain them beyond the initial...

The German American Chamber of Commerce, Pittsburgh Chapter (GACCPIT) was founded in 2015 to promote and support bilateral trade between Germany and the U.S. On January 30, 2016, the GACCPIT held its first annual Ice Gala at the newly-renovated Energy Innovation Center. More than 170 members and friends of the German-American business community came to celebrate the sold-out gala. The attendees enjoyed music by the River City Brass Band, cuisine from top chef, Mike Twigg of the Teutonia Maennerchor, Penn Brewery’s Award-winning beer, and top-rated German wine. The Ice Gala also included an Ice Room with ice sculptures designed by Mastro Ice, authentic Glühwein and a few surprises to create an Alpine-themed winter market. Welcoming remarks were delivered by Scott Lammie, CFO of the Ice Gala Presenting Sponsor UPMC Health Plan, Congressman Tim Murphy and County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. Ongoing tours of the Energy Innovation Center, whose mission is focused on sustainability and workforce development, were offered to provide a look at the building and its organizations. Proceeds of the gala benefit the dual training apprenticeship program that the GACCPIT has initiated together with U can B. In the apprenticeship program, high school students receive both classroom instruction and on-the-job time at a company. The theory they learn in class is reinforced by the practice at work. They also learn work habits and responsibility and, if all goes well, absorb the culture of the company. And both employer and employee generally hope it will lead to a permanent job—for employers, apprentices are a crucial talent pool. The pilot with the German-owned company VEKA was kicked off in January 2016. More companies will follow this year. More information on the GACCPIT and its events and projects can be found on www.gaccpit.com. For more information on U can B – email...