19/05/2026 – An IT service provider, a construction company, a hotel, and a transport company – these are the winners of this year's IHK Education Prize, awarded on Monday evening (18/05/2026) in Berlin.

The IHK organisation and the Otto Wolff Foundation honour outstanding educational concepts in the field of company training and further education with this prize.

Among the small enterprises, WUNDS Datensysteme GmbH from Zeitz excelled with their future-oriented training and development concept "Education through Innovation," where young talents work on real client projects from the start and are supported by a professional mentoring system.

In the category of medium-sized enterprises, OSTEG GmbH from Zittau won with their Azubi-Arena, a practice construction site where apprentices and pupils can experience four construction professions firsthand.

In the large enterprises category, DB Fahrzeuginstandhaltung GmbH - Werk Cottbus impressed with their Junior Company, where apprentices design their own projects and directly implement them in production.

The special prize was awarded this year to Tanne Wellness Hotel from Tonbach for their "Lucky Charm" programme, which supports apprentices from 18 nations before their first working day with mentors from the apprentice team.

The winners were selected from twelve finalists who presented their special commitment to vocational education in impressive application films during the award ceremony at TIPI AM KANZLERAMT in Berlin.

"Wer aus- und weiterbildet, investiert nicht nur in den eigenen Betrieb, er investiert in unser Land."

German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) President Peter Adrian highlighted vocational education's significance in his speech: "Qualified professionals do not emerge by chance. In our companies, they are trained, guided, promoted, and challenged. Skilled professionals grow where companies take responsibility: those who train and develop invest not only in their operations but also in our country."

Especially during times of profound change, Germany draws strength from competence, ideas, and commitment, Adrian said. From companies and employees who take action.

"Therefore, today we honour companies that give young people opportunities, identify talents, and consistently promote further training. Companies that know: the future is built where people grow together."

Germany currently faces significant challenges, the DIHK President stated. But the country has strength and prospects. Adrian: "To harness this opportunity, we urgently need better framework conditions. Speed instead of stagnation, less bureaucracy, faster processes, and an education system clearly focused on tomorrow's needs."

Finally, President Adrian took the opportunity to thank the voluntary examiners for their dedication: "You ensure the quality of vocational training and personally represent a crucial competitive advantage for our country. For that, you deserve our utmost respect and heartfelt thanks."

About the IHK Education Prize

The Otto Wolff Foundation's award has been recognising companies since 2014 for which vocational training is a crucial success factor in their HR strategy. The emphasis lies on extraordinary commitment: exceptionally dedicated pioneers, strategists, and innovators.

Companies apply for the IHK Education Prize on their own initiative. A top-tier, five-member expert jury selects the best twelve candidates to advance to the finals. These finalists then present themselves with their application films to the honorary jury made up of around 250 IHK examiners, who select the four winners live on the evening of the award ceremony.

The IHK Education Prize is awarded in three categories: to small enterprises with up to 50 employees, to medium-sized companies with 50 to 500 employees, and to large enterprises employing more than 500 people.

A special prize can also be awarded if the concept is particularly promising or extraordinary in its innovation.

The prize money of €6,000 each is intended for donation to non-profit organizations promoting education. In addition, all finalists benefit from pre-produced film contributions by the DIHK, which they can use for their purposes afterward.