April 26, 2024
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German diplomat meets local officials at Hegeler Carus Mansion to talk apprenticeship programs

‘It’s imperative to have the skills to operate machinery and design machinery’

By Michael Urbanec

Germany Consul General Wolfgang Moessinger visited the Hegeler Carus Mansion in La Salle on Monday June 21, 2021. Moessinger was invited to a roundtable discussion with local politicians to discuss opportunities and challenges of economic development of the region. Gathered for the photo were (from left) Mark Tomkins, president and CEO of German American Chamber of Commerce; La Salle Mayor Jeff Grove; Rolf Archilles, art historian and author expert of German art history and culture, Peru Mayor Ken Kolowski; State Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris; Germany Counsul General Wolfgang Moessinger; Inga Carus, chairwoman Carus LLC; Peter Limberger, chairman and CEO CL Enterprises; Blouke Carus, Luke Phalen, military academy coordinator for Congressman Adam Kinzinger; U.S. architect Dirk Lohan; State Rep. Lance Yedneck, D-Ottawa; and Frau Moessinger. (Scott Anderson)

German Consul General Wolfgang Moessinger visited the Hegeler Carus Mansion in La Salle on Monday to meet with local officials, tour the home and discuss German-style apprenticeship programs.

Moessinger met with state Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris; Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa; and La Salle and Peru mayors Jeff Grove and Ken Kolowski. Luke Phelan also was present, representing U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Channahon.

Moessinger was impressed by the home’s architecture and raved about both the artistry and the design prowess it must’ve taken to create it.

“This house is a remarkable example of what can be achieved in this country by immigrants,” Moessinger said. “Two Germans, one of whom was Eduard C. Hegeler, came to the New World in the 1850s with the idea to make products that would benefit mankind, and enabled their families and their communities to benefit and prosper, and their descendants continue to contribute to Illinois communities more than 170 years later.”

The home was built in 1874 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Mark Tomkins, the President and CEO of the German American Chamber of Commerce, said there’s interest in the Industry Consortium for Advanced Technical Training Apprenticeship program, a program that’s helped bring a system similar to the German Dual Education System.

“A company invests in young people by employing them and giving them a small salary as an apprentice, but they share the time of the apprenticeship with the community college,” Moessinger said. “The community college teaches a curriculum that will make the person useful for a company.”

Moessinger said students typically take an exam after three years that shows they have the set of skills the company is looking for.

“Manufacturing isn’t a dark and dirty profession anymore,” Moessinger said. “What you’re applying for is a high-tech manufacturer, and it’s imperative to have the skills to operate machinery and design machinery.”

Tomkins said the ICATT apprenticeship program has taken hold in companies across the Midwest and can be adapted to the needs of the Illinois Valley.

“Investments from German manufacturing companies in the USA, specifically in the Midwest are booming and stronger than ever,” Tomkins said. “The Starved Rock Country region is perfectly located for new businesses.”

He said the Tangled Roots Brewery, with the Lone Buffalo restaurant, is one such company looking to start its own apprenticeship program.

The Hegeler Carus Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization that owns and operates the Hegeler Carus Mansion, which is now open for tours at 1307 Seventh St. in La Salle. More information can be found at www.hegelercarus.org.