The IHK training prize 2022 is awarded to outstanding initiatives

In awarding this prize, the IHK organisation and the Otto Wolff Foundation are paying tribute to outstanding training initiatives in the field of company-based training and/or continuing education.

AWEOS GmbH from Solingen (Germany) came out on top among the small companies. Their focus on trainees who have "lost their way slightly" was worthy of the award. This initiative involves giving training drop-outs and weaker trainees the opportunity to develop their full potential.

The winner among the medium-sized companies was BUCS IT GmbH based in Wuppertal. Its "strength-oriented" training concept involves certified strength coaches being used to organise training and personnel development together with employees in a strength-focused manner.

Anton Häring KG from Bubsheim was the winner in the large company category. In the company's internal "Häring Akademie", a targeted and individual approach is taken to overcoming language and educational deficits; organisational support is also provided here for international trainees.

This year the special prize was awarded to MusikZentrum gGmbH in Hanover for their project "Komm raus – Die Kulturbande" ["Come out culture crew"]. This is an event programme for trainees from the events sector. Trainees from a range of different occupational fields are given the opportunity to get to know one another, to learn about their occupations and to work together on a project.

The winners were selected from 12 finalists who demonstrated their commitment to all aspects of the vocational education and training in impressive films at the award ceremony in the Tipi am Kanzleramt theatre in Berlin. The examples may also encourage and inspire other companies to develop creative solutions.

German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) President Peter Adrian took the opportunity to thank companies and voluntary examiners for their commitment to company-based training and continuing education: "Despite coronavirus and other challenges, many training companies have shown huge commitment over the last two years. They have the full support of the DHIK and the regional chambers (IHKs)," he underlined.

"We have the outstanding commitment of these companies and volunteer examiners to thank for the fact that in both 2020 and 2021, despite the difficult conditions, around 300,000 young people sat their final examinations in an IHK occupation," added DIHK President in praise of their efforts.

"We must not let up in our support of vocational education and training despite all difficulties", he urged. "On the contrary, our surveys have been showing for many years that the shortage of skilled workers is one of the biggest business risks faced by companies. This is therefore also the challenge we face for the economic future of our country. Because there's an awful lot in our country that will not work without well-trained personnel. Today's finalists, and also many other companies, are making an important contribution in this respect."