Progressive, proactive ideas have spread beyond the ideals of three East Andover residents,
Pecco Beaufaÿs, Vicky Mishcon, and Ken Wells. Five years ago, discussions began with the
General Consulate of Germany for New England in Boston (GCB) and the German American
Chamber of Commerce in NYC (GACC) about supporting the development of a German-style,
industry-sponsored Apprenticeship/Vocational School program for high school students in New Hampshire. 

Although the initial reaction was not overly promising, discussions for the plan continued and the General Consul of Germany supported and advanced the agreement for cooperation of the GACC. In March of 2020, a group of about three dozen leaders and stakeholders were invited by the Consul General of Germany to East Andover to start a conversation about our mutual interest in developing such a program. 

As a result of the conversations that day, and countless more that followed, a practical vision of an industry-sponsored apprenticeship program for the state was formulated, to begin with students in high school and end with degreed and internationally-credentialed apprentices moving into life-long careers in New Hampshire industries.

It was agreed that Franklin’s manufacturing and educational environment would be an
excellent place to launch a pilot program for this concept. In Franklin, we could demonstrate its scalability, growing from the local manufacturing sector to the regional hospitality sector and beyond, thus expanding the academic portion from one school district and community college to an eventual statewide program administered by the GACC and the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH).

The initial challenge was to identify key people and institutions to engage cooperatively in the program, familiarize them with desired outcomes, and initiate the introductions that would grow into an ongoing network of working relationships. These first steps have been realized! Two years ago, an introductory high school curriculum for community college credit was launched at Franklin High School, and interest from students and their families generated strong enrollment numbers. 

Negotiations began to expand for Lakes Region Community College offerings in Franklin’s neighboring high school following a complementary model. In the meantime, GACC has established relationships in the administrative levels of CCSNH (Community College System of NH).

Initiated by the Lakes Region Tourism Association, the GACC and the CCSNH have embarked on the development of an international hospitality apprenticeship and professional exchange program, with German counterparts sponsored by restaurant companies around the Lakes Region. These developments would not have been possible without the support of Franklin’s current Mayor, Jo Brown, and many others. We are encouraged that this program will forge new educational avenues and alternative career paths for our youth.