October 8, 2025

Charleston Launches Co-Op Program with NORDAKADEMIE

Charleston, SC, October 8, 2025

News Summary

The College of Charleston has partnered with Germany’s NORDAKADEMIE to launch a unique co-op program in manufacturing. Starting in April 2026, this initiative aims to bridge the gap between education and workforce development by providing students with hands-on experience while pursuing their degree in International Engineering & Management. The program addresses local workforce challenges and is designed for various participants, such as high school graduates and current employees, with tuition funded by employers.

Charleston Launches Unique Co-Op Program in Manufacturing with Germany

Charleston, SC – The College of Charleston has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with NORDAKADEMIE, a German University of Applied Sciences, to initiate a new co-op program in manufacturing. Set to commence in April 2026, this innovative program aims to address ongoing workforce development challenges in the manufacturing sector.

The program is distinguished as the first German-American co-op initiative focused specifically on international engineering and management. It allows participants to gain hands-on experience working for sponsoring employers while concurrently pursuing their bachelor’s degree in International Engineering & Management.

Within this program, students will have the opportunity to take courses at both the College of Charleston and NORDAKADEMIE in Germany. Notably, the participating employers will provide compensation to the students and cover the cost of their tuition, removing financial barriers often associated with higher education.

This collaborative initiative is aligned with the pressing needs for workforce development in the Lowcountry region. The program’s flexibility enables businesses to select participants from a range of backgrounds, including existing employees, recent high school graduates, or current college students interested in enhancing their employability and skills through international experience.

Significance for Workforce Development

The co-op program signals a significant advancement in workforce preparedness for South Carolina. It is designed to cultivate work-ready employees who possess not only technical skills but also an understanding of international business dynamics. This dual focus seeks to enhance local manufacturing capabilities and ensure that graduates are equipped to meet the needs of modern employers.

College of Charleston President Andrew T. Hsu expressed enthusiasm regarding this partnership with NORDAKADEMIE. He emphasized the crucial role this program plays in addressing workforce development challenges faced within the state, promoting a proactive approach to ensuring a skilled workforce in South Carolina.

Program Overview

Start Date: April 2026
Focus: International Engineering & Management
Participants: Existing employees, high school students, or current college students
Tuition: Funded by employers
Course Locations: College of Charleston and NORDAKADEMIE in Germany

The program represents a strategic move to attract and retain talent in the manufacturing sector while simultaneously enhancing the educational offerings at the College of Charleston. This initiative underscores a commitment to fostering a robust pipeline of skilled workers with an international perspective, which is increasingly valued in today’s global economy.

Background Context

Manufacturing has been a vital component of South Carolina’s economy, providing numerous jobs and contributing significantly to the state’s overall growth. However, ongoing challenges in workforce development have prompted educational institutions and employers to seek new ways to prepare future workers. This program is a response to those challenges, aiming to create pathways for students to gain relevant experience while still in school, thus bridging the gap between education and employment.

Conclusion

As the College of Charleston and NORDAKADEMIE prepare to launch this co-op program in April 2026, stakeholders in education and industry alike are optimistic about the potential impact on workforce development in South Carolina. By merging academic learning with practical experience on an international platform, the program is poised to set a new standard in manufacturing education.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new co-op program’s focus?

The program is focused on international engineering and management.

When will the co-op program begin?

The program is set to begin in April 2026.

Who can participate in the program?

Participants can be existing employees, high school students, or college students.

How will participants fund their education?

Employers will compensate participants and fund their tuition.

Where will the courses be offered?

Courses will be offered at both the College of Charleston and NORDAKADEMIE in Germany.

Key Features Chart

Feature	Description
Start Date	April 2026
Program Focus	International Engineering & Management
Eligibility	Existing employees, high school students, college students
Tuition Funding	Covered by participating employers
Course Locations	College of Charleston and NORDAKADEMIE in Germany