Melissa Kmetz
Chicago
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience in apprenticeship program management and coordination. Proven track record in stakeholder communication, successfully enhancing program outreach and compliance. Skilled in event planning and logistics coordination, fostering strong partnerships that drive success in educational initiatives.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager, Apprenticeship Administration
GACC Midwest, Inc.
07.2015 - 04.2025
- Administered German-style apprenticeship programs, ensuring smooth operations and compliance across multiple regions.
- Processed all related paperwork, managed apprenticeships from registration to graduation, and coordinated follow-up communications with apprentices.
- Handled invoicing, financial records, and ensured timely distribution of apprenticeship materials.
- Organized and coordinated graduation ceremonies, celebrating apprentice achievements.
- Registered apprentices with the Department of Labor (DoL) for their DoL certificate of completion and ensured adherence to regulatory requirements.
- Supported the preparation and administration of manufacturing-related exams.
- Acted as the primary point of contact between apprentices, training companies, and the chamber, providing consistent support and guidance.
Coordinator, Skills Initiative
GACC Midwest, Inc.
07.2015 - 01.2020
- Led outreach efforts to promote German-style apprenticeship programs to high school students through presentations, career fairs, and open houses at local manufacturing companies.
- Managed administrative tasks for the apprenticeship program, including processing paperwork and maintaining communications with apprentices and partner companies.
- Conducted regular check-ins with apprentices to track progress, address concerns, and ensure program success.
- Coordinated and invoiced program-related activities, including program registrations and materials distribution.
- Organized inauguration ceremonies and events to celebrate the start of apprenticeship cohorts.
- Registered apprentices with the Department of Labor (DoL) for their DoL certificate of completion and supported compliance efforts.
- Assisted in the preparation and administration of manufacturing-related exams.
- Provided ongoing support to training companies, ensuring a seamless partnership with the apprenticeship program.
Department Head, Information Services
Streator Public Library
06.2013 - 06.2015
- Managed the Interlibrary Loan Service, ensuring patrons had access to books from other libraries through seamless coordination.
- Conducted genealogy research for individuals seeking information about deceased relatives, offering personalized research services.
- Organized and led weekly children’s programs, including "Story Time" where preschoolers engaged in storytelling and crafts.
- Supervised one other employee in the Information Services department, ensuring smooth daily operations.
- Provided support to patrons with public computer use, book checkouts, and library card issuance.
- Assisted with various library tasks, including interlibrary loan orders and genealogy research.
Assistant Librarian
Streator Public Library
11.2012 - 06.2013
- Delivered front-line services to patrons, including checking books in and out, issuing new library cards, and assisting with public computer use.
- Helped patrons locate and check out books, providing research assistance as needed.
- Supported interlibrary loan orders and assisted with genealogy research requests.
Customer Service Clerk
IHK Rhein-Neckar
11.2010 - 02.2012
- Supported and assisted customers via phone and in-person at the Customer Care Center, offering first-line support for various inquiries.
- Provided detailed information on the range of services offered by IHK Rhein-Neckar.
- Sold standard forms (e.g., customs handling forms) and facilitated the distribution of key documents to customers.
- Directed customers to appropriate departments for more specific information, ensuring a seamless customer experience.
- Assisted in marketing and information services by conducting investigations in various company databases to meet customer needs.
Executive Assistant
TICEBA, GmbH
06.2009 - 11.2009
- Managed all administrative and organizational tasks in the office, ensuring smooth daily operations.
- Handled business correspondence in both German and English, including managing incoming and outgoing mail and emails.
- Coordinated business trips and arranged participation in trade fairs and events.
- Organized meetings and visits, managing appointment schedules and ensuring guest logistics were well-coordinated.
- Oversaw logistics for incoming goods and managed their inspection upon arrival.
Project Manager
IHK Rhein-Neckar
09.2004 - 06.2007
- Informed principals and company representatives about the content and scope of projects, ensuring clarity on the project’s objectives.
- Negotiated and brought the participation of regional pilot schools into agreement with project principals.
- Acquired and onboarded youth workers in companies to support the project’s goals.
- Organized and moderated meetings for negotiations and collaborations with school principals and youth workers.
- Kept detailed records of project results and worked closely with project management at the Federal State Level to address outstanding issues and share relevant information.
Apprenticeship Office Management Assistance
IHK Rhein-Neckar
09.2004 - 06.2007
- Completed a three-year apprenticeship as part of the "Dual System," combining practical work experience with classroom-based learning.
Education
Associate of Science -
Max-Hachenburg Schule
Mannheim, Germany06-2007
Associate of Applied Science -
Fachschule Für Sozialpädagogik Lampertheim
Lampertheim, Germany01-2002
Associate of Applied Science -
Fachschule Für Sozialassistenz Lampertheim
Lampertheim, Germany01-2000
Certificate of Secondary Education -
Alfred-Delp-Realschule Lampertheim
Lampertheim, Germany01-1998
Skills
- Program Management
- Apprenticeship Coordination
- Project Management
- Customer Service
- Outreach and Recruitment
- Event Planning and Organization
- Team Supervision and Training
- Stakeholder Communication
- Database Research
- Administrative Support
- Logistics Coordination
- Office Management
Languages
German
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Manager, Apprenticeship Administration
GACC Midwest, Inc.
07.2015 - 04.2025
Coordinator, Skills Initiative
GACC Midwest, Inc.
07.2015 - 01.2020
Department Head, Information Services
Streator Public Library
06.2013 - 06.2015
Assistant Librarian
Streator Public Library
11.2012 - 06.2013
Customer Service Clerk
IHK Rhein-Neckar
11.2010 - 02.2012
Executive Assistant
TICEBA, GmbH
06.2009 - 11.2009
Project Manager
IHK Rhein-Neckar
09.2004 - 06.2007
Apprenticeship Office Management Assistance
IHK Rhein-Neckar
09.2004 - 06.2007
Associate of Science -
Max-Hachenburg Schule
Associate of Applied Science -
Fachschule Für Sozialpädagogik Lampertheim
Associate of Applied Science -
Fachschule Für Sozialassistenz Lampertheim
Certificate of Secondary Education -
Alfred-Delp-Realschule Lampertheim
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