What is the National Best Excellence Award?

The National Best Excellence Award is a nationwide recognition for the highest-performing graduates of an IHK training profession. It is based on the best examination result of each year. The DIHK invites the best graduates to a ceremonial event where they are honored. Also attending are the parents of the top graduates as well as representatives from training companies, vocational schools, politics, and IHKs

The award makes a visible statement about the significance of dual education – and the diversity of more than 200 IHK professions, from automobile salespersons to cutting machine specialists.

Objectives and Significance

Strengthening Dual Education

The award impressively demonstrates the career paths opened by vocational training. It supports the reputation of the dual system and helps inspire young people to pursue training.

Recognition of Outstanding Achievements

The national winners receive a special form of appreciation through the award – a strong signal for motivation, commitment, and professional excellence.

Public Visibility for Companies and Professions

Training companies and industries are given a platform through the award to showcase their training quality. At the same time, the event highlights the breadth and attractiveness of IHK professions to a large audience.

Process and Development

The award follows a proven concept:

• Selection of National Winners: Based on the best result in the IHK final examination for a training profession.
• Ceremonial Framework: The DIHK invites the awardees along with representatives of the training companies to a central event.
• Recognition on a Grand Stage: The personal awarding of the winners – with certificates, trophies, and public acknowledgment – is the centerpiece.
• Accompanying Communication: The award is complemented by reporting, social media formats, and digital elements that enhance visibility and appreciation.

The National Best Excellence Award is constantly evolving – for example through:

• digital formats and livestreams that provide additional reach
• modern communication offerings, such as digital badges ("Open Badges")
• greater involvement of apprentices, who make their stories and training paths visible

In this way, the event combines tradition and innovation – and every year anew demonstrates the diversity and future orientation of the dual training system. The National Best Excellence Award is far more than just a prize ceremony: It is a central component of the appreciation culture in the dual system and helps make the high quality of vocational education in Germany permanently visible.

Impulses for Talents and Companies

For the honored professionals, the award is often an important step into a successful professional future. They benefit from high visibility, attractive perspectives, and a strong network.

Companies also use the award as an opportunity: They showcase their commitment to training, strengthen their employer image, and emphasize the importance of qualified professionals for the performance of Germany's economy.

Thus, the National Best Excellence Award makes a significant contribution to securing the next generation of skilled workers and strengthening dual education – and underscores the future viability of Germany's vocational training system.