Gov. Josh Shapiro and German Ambassador to the United States Jens Hanefeld signed a joint declaration of intent (JDI) on Monday that will develop a framework to strengthen work force development initiatives between the Commonwealth and Germany.
“This joint declaration reaffirms Pennsylvania’s commitment to strengthening our relationship with Germany and establishes a real framework for deeper collaboration so we can share best practices and expand access to apprenticeships and CTE (career and technical education) initiatives that will open up the doors of real opportunity for thousands of Pennsylvanians,” Shapiro said.
The goal of the JDI is to promote economic development, work force development, and intergovernmental cooperation, especially populations that are underrepresented in high-quality apprenticeship programs. It identifies four key areas that would strengthen apprenticeships, work-based learning, CTE, and vocational and professional education and training. It also
focuses on supporting German companies that employ Pennsylvanians.
Shapiro and Hanefeld agreed to create a working group tasked with coordinating and carrying out the collaboration and activities outlined in the JDI. The group will meet annually to review each region’s progress.
During their meeting in the governor’s office, Shapiro and Hanefeld discussed the longstanding political, social, economic, cultural, and scientific connections between Germany and Pennsylvania.