Workforce development is one of the greatest challenges facing our modern economy. That reality is reflected in the latest trend reports as well as, anecdotally, from company executives trying to recruit and hire qualified, skilled personnel. The good news: the problem has solutions.

One such answer lies in thinking of higher education differently. Our institutions have developed a unique study model that offers the following advantages:

- Work Performance from Day OneWork One ? students contribute to the company from the start of their studies rather than years after graduation.
- Working and Studying Simultaneously ? instead of completing education in separate phases, students combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience.
- Reaching New Target Groups ? through close collaboration with companies, students not only receive a high-quality education, but this new program also provides financial relief for parents.
- Workforce Retention ? graduates are required to work for the company for at least two years after graduation.

We call this study model the ?German American Co-Op,? a bachelor?s degree equivalent to the German ?Duales Studium,? which has a tradition of more than 150 years. The three-year International Engineering & Management program is conducted in collaboration with the College of Charleston in South Carolina and NORDAKADEMIE in Germany. The first cohort will start in October 2025.

• Stefan Wiedmann