ApprenticeshipNH, a workforce program of the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) in partnership with NHTI, Concord’s Community College hosted a group of German students and faculty members in Concord April 18 – May 2, 2026. The goal of the exchange program was to provide Berufliche Schule Pinneberg student apprentices with a job shadow experience to gain a hands-on understanding of how American business operates and to exchange perspectives on workforce development strategies.
Germany’s apprenticeship system is widely seen as one of the most effective school-to-work pipelines in the world. Like NH’s ApprenticeshipNH model, it uses an earn-while-you-learn approach that blends on-the-job training with classroom learning, incorporating a strong employer role in shaping the experience to ensure students gain immediate workforce skills and high employability.
“It is validating to see our New Hampshire program reflect many of the successful strategies used in the time-tested German model,” said Kristine Dudley, director of Workforce Training at CCSNH. “Our programs ensure students incur little to no debt, encompass a wide range of occupational fields, and include industry- and nationally recognized credentials. It’s a proven and creative way for employers to build a strong local workforce pipeline and for students and job seekers to engage in an employment and learning pathway.”
To date, more than 100 employers and 1,500 individual participants have participated in the ApprenticeshipNH program, in fields that range from construction and healthcare to business, early childhood education and hospitality.
“One thing we can learn from our German counterparts is how to talk about apprenticeship,” said Dudley. “Outside the US, it is viewed as a highly respected alternative to the traditional university experience. Students who participate in our apprenticeship programs gain early income and independence, experience very low rates of unemployment, and can participate in globally competitive industries. Like the community colleges themselves, apprenticeship is a smart choice. While it is deeply valued by those who know, there is room to help more people realize the strong benefits it conveys to enable students of all interests and learning styles to land in a rewarding job with advancement potential and avoid student debt.”
The German visitors were housed in residence halls at NHTI, Concord’s Community College and participated in educational opportunities at both NHTI and Manchester Community College (MCC). While in New Hampshire, they visited employer sites including Grappone Automotive Group, Delta Dental, Eagle Point Investment Advisors and the state office of Business and Economic Affairs; toured sites that include the NH State House, the League of NH Craftsmen, Gibson’s Bookstore and Bensonwood Custom Home Builders, and participated in cultural and social activities.
