Apprentice of the Year Award 2025
Gavin Ainsworth, a third-year CAD Technical Designer Apprentice at SMS Group, is the Apprentice of the Year winner for...
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The night at the stunning Wintergarden was truly magical, as we celebrated a decade of impact with a traditional German masquerade ball attended by about 260 guests. We honored the apprentices of Cohort 2022, with 23 students receiving their certificates, and recognized the support of their partnering companies. Additionally, eight students from Cohort 2021 were awarded their German Certificates, acknowledging their dedication and accomplishments.
Guests enjoyed a gourmet dinner, admired the breathtaking ice sculptures, and celebrated the Apprentice of the Year award.The celebration continued with an energetic After Party filled with music and dancing.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supports our Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship Programs—here’s to another decade of success!
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VIP Reception
The evening began with our VIP Reception, setting the stage for a magical night. Look at all those stunning outfits—our Maskenball theme brought a whole new level of elegance and intrigue!
From dazzling masks to sophisticated evening wear, our guests embraced the night in true style.
And did you see the men on Stelzen? Their towering presence added an extra touch of grandeur to the celebration!
A night to remember, full of charm, mystery, and unforgettable moments!
Award Presentation
During the award presentation, we celebrated the remarkable achievements of our students:
- German Certificates Awarded: Eight students from Cohort 2021 received their DIHK German Certificate, recognizing their hard work and accomplishments.
- Honoring Cohort 2022: We proudly celebrated the graduation of 15 students from the 2022 cohort. These Apprentices received their journeyman papers and college certificates from Community College of Allegheny County and Westmoreland County Community College.
Ice Sculptures
At this year’s 10th Annual Ice Gala, we celebrated not only 10 years of GACC Pittsburgh but also a decade of stunning ice sculptures! To commemorate this significant milestone, we proudly displayed one sculpture from each year:
- 2016 – Carousel
- 2017 – Brandenburg Castle
- 2018 – Drachenburg Castle
- 2019 – Rhine River & Lorelei
- 2020 – Frog Prince
- 2021 – Miniature Railway
- 2022 – BVB Dortmund Stadium
- 2023 – Porsche
- 2024 – Beethoven
- 2025 – This year’s grand Maskenball!
Ice Sculptures
Kamen Bonev
After Party
Last but not least, we ended the 10th Annual Ice Galawith an unforgettable After Party. The evening wasn’t just about elegance—it was also a celebration of fun! DJ Bob kept the energy high, filling the dance floor as guests danced the night away.
Attendees also enjoyed classic carnival games, competing for fun prizes and small gifts. It was the perfect way to wrap up a night full of magic, mystery, and celebration!
