Building Skills for the Future: Giesecke & Devrient
Creation Date: 10/30/2025
Building Skills for the Future: Giesecke & Devrient Launched Industrial Maintenance Apprenticeship Program
Giesecke & Devrient (G&D) is taking a proactive step toward workforce sustainability with the launch of its Industrial Maintenance Apprenticeship Program at the company’s Chicago facility. The initiative, developed in partnership with the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC), aims to enhance technical expertise, improve operational efficiency, and establish structured career pathways for employees. By investing in on-the-job learning and mentorship, G&D is ensuring that its workforce is equipped to meet the challenges of increasingly advanced manufacturing technology.
For apprentice Simon Wu, the program has been transformative. Recently awarded his U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) credential, Wu shared how the apprenticeship has enhanced both individual development and team collaboration: “This apprenticeship program creates opportunities to highlight the skill sets of individuals and the areas in which they need improvement. Offering in-house training with people who are familiar with solving those issues daily will create a better learning environment for our future technicians.” His success is a testament to how hands-on learning, supported by experienced mentors, can enhance skill levels and confidence among employees.
According to Luis Lara, Sr. Manager at Giesecke & Devrient, the program represents a vital investment in both safety and operational excellence: “An Apprenticeship program for our maintenance technicians here in G&D Chicago is essential to ensure the safety, efficiency, and reliability of equipment. It equips technicians with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform preventive and corrective maintenance, effectively troubleshoot issues, and adapt to evolving technologies. Investing in training programs like the one implemented not only reduces downtime and costly repairs but also promotes a culture of continuous improvement, compliance with safety standards, and overall operational excellence.”
IMEC Regional Manager, Dave Musgrave, praised G&D’s commitment to workforce development and the company’s vision for long-term talent growth: “Supporting Giesecke & Devrient in establishing their Industrial Maintenance Apprenticeship program has been a rewarding experience. Our role at IMEC has been to help set the project in motion and continue guiding as they implement and grow the program. This initiative is a clear example of how manufacturers can invest in their people while addressing critical workforce needs. We’re proud to partner with Giesecke & Devrient as they strengthen their team and build a sustainable talent pipeline for the future.”
Apprenticeship programs like G&D’s are proving to be powerful tools in addressing the manufacturing skills gap. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 93% of apprentices remain employed after completing their program, with an average annual salary exceeding $77,000. In Illinois, IMEC and its partners are helping manufacturers implement programs that not only close critical skills gaps but also foster loyalty, engagement, and innovation among employees. By combining technical training with mentorship and career advancement opportunities, Giesecke & Devrient is creating a model for how manufacturers can invest in their people and secure the future of industrial excellence.
Photo: Left to right: Stacey B. Walker, MBA, Senior Human Resources Business Partner; Industrial Maintenance Apprentice Simon Wu; and Luis Lara, Senior Maintenance Manager, Giesecke & Devrient