Germany’s top apprentices honored

The best apprentices in each profession have been honored for their outstanding achievements by Hans Heinrich Driftmann, president of the Federation of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), and Ursula von der Leyen, Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs. Among the best were 135 young men and 78 young women. This reflects the proportion of male and female apprentices in dual training - the ratio is 60 to 40 per cent.

Driftmann congratulated the 213 young people in his opening speech, "You are the super apprentices of the year 2010 - of more than 300,000 graduates altogether. You are also role models for the skilled employees of tomorrow. Make use of this tailwind."

With regard to the dual training system the president of the DIHK said, "To invest in vocational training is profitable. Those who have completed a dual vocational training are highly qualified for the job market und have a solid basis for a long professional life."

Minister Ursula von der Leyen congratulated the graduates for having started their professional career in such an impressing way, "You have talent and the right attitude to work. There are many doors open for you now. Due to the dual training your already know quite well what to expect from workaday life. I would like to ask you as the best to take care of those who do not learn as easily as you do."