Excellent vocational training at the University of Cologne
Our trainees regularly rank among the best. In recent years, they have been honoured several times at the IHK-Bestenehrung (IHK Best of the Year) Awards, and have also delivered impressive results at the German Craft Skills Championship. We are particularly proud of this, as these achievements highlight what can be accomplished through excellent vocational training, personalized support, and a strong connection to real-world practice. Looking to develop your talents and get your career off to a flying start? Then you’ve come to the right place.
IHK Best of the Year Awards 2025
On 6 October 2025, Benjamin Jacobi, an electronics technician trainee in industrial engineering, was honoured for his excellent performance at the IHK Best of the Year Awards. Congratulations!
IHK Best of the Year Awards 2024
Our electronics technician trainee for installations and systems at the Institute of Physics II was honoured for his excellent final grade at the IHK’s Best of the Year Awards 2024, making him one of the best graduates in his vocational training year. Congratulations!
IHK Best of the Year Awards 2023
In 2023, an office management trainee in the university administration department also received special recognition from the Cologne Chamber of Industry and Commerce. She was honoured at the award ceremony in October 2023 for achieving the final grade of “excellent”.
German Craft Skills Championship 2023
Three of our precision mechanics trainees at the Biocenter achieved 1st to 3rd place in the 2023 German Craft Skills Championship at chamber level due to their extraordinary performance on their final examinations.
Chamber of Crafts honorary prize 2010
In 2010, the University of Cologne received the honorary prize of the Chamber of Crafts in Cologne as a top training institution. Due to its achievements in the area of vocational trainings, the University of Cologne won in all categories. In particular, achievements in the fields of training, social promotion, and consideration of the needs of people with disabilities or special needs, as well as the promotion of young women in the craft and technical professions were recognized.