“It can’t get any better than that,” praised Friederike C. Kühn, Chairperson of the IHK, who promptly came by to personally present the award. We openly admit that it makes us very proud. Of the approximately 2,500 vocational training companies in the Segeberg, Stormarn, Ostholstein, Duchy of Lauenburg and Lübeck districts that the Chamber of Commerce and Industry represents, only a maximum of ten companies win this annual award in recognition of their excellent vocational training culture. You cannot apply for the award: The IHK conducts an independent assessment, using a variety of criteria, to determine which businesses make a significant contribution to the promotion and development of young professional’s. Companies that are involved in vocational training fairs and schools, offer internships, and provide job application training – in short, businesses which support and take good care of their future professionals – score plus points. A great success for our CEOs Maja Zippel and Claas Nendel, and a sign that the company's own young professionals development program is on the right track and well received. After all, a good working environment along with staff training and development are an essential part of the corporate philosophy. The award is an incentive to stay the course and continue to promote the next generation on a lasting basis. We are looking forward to our new apprentices, trainees and interns and are proud that our positive and supportive young professional culture is obviously talked about: This year, we were able to fill all of our apprenticeship and internship positions from speculative applications for the first time.