CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The German ambassador to the U.S., Emily Haber, toured the Advanced Technology Center at Central Piedmont Community College, Wednesday.

• Nearly 200 German-based businesses are operating in Charlotte, employing more than 50,000 workers
• CPCC showed off it's apprenticeship program, which trains American students to work for German companies operating in Charlotte.
• CPCC says it has about 140 students enrolled in an apprenticeship program.

Nearly 200 German-based businesses are operating in Charlotte, employing more than 50,000 workers, according to the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance.

During the tour, CPCC showed off it's apprenticeship program, which trains American students to work for German companies operating in Charlotte.

“Industry-derived apprenticeships have a long history [in Germany], and a very successful history,” Haber said. “I keep telling everyone, most of the German CEOs have been apprentices.”

The college would like to see more American students and companies open up to the idea of apprenticeships.

“I think right now it’s as much about awareness and getting American companies on board with apprenticeship,” CPCC associate dean of STEM Mike Hogan said.

CPCC says it has about 140 students enrolled in an apprenticeship program.