Each year, the Employment Agency Heide awards a training certificate to a company in the Steinburg district that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to promoting young talent. This year, the award goes to the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology ISIT.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology ISIT follows a clear approach: trainees matter. Simple in principle, yet often challenging to implement in everyday business practice. ISIT, however, clearly embraces its responsibility to give young people—and ultimately itself—a future. Dr. Alexander Heuer, Acting Director of the Institute, explains: “Our trainees are an integral part of the team. They are treated like permanent staff and as regular employees. They are taken seriously, have ideas, and express their own opinions—which are heard. Our trainers are deeply committed to developing our young talent.”

Martin Lieneke, Managing Director of the Employment Agency Heide, is convinced that, alongside a strong commitment to training, the company’s structure also plays a key role in ensuring high-quality education for young people: “ISIT has flat hierarchies and therefore short communication channels. Depending on the department, ideas are quickly picked up and—if feasible—implemented. This boosts performance and motivation. Perhaps this is also why ISIT has repeatedly produced Germany’s top graduate in the apprenticeship profession of ‘microtechnologist.’”

ISIT also demonstrates strong commitment beyond traditional dual vocational training. Employees of Fraunhofer ISIT regularly visit schools in the region to provide insights into the fascinating world of microsystems engineering. In 90-minute sessions, they showcase how research and technology work in practice and highlight potential career paths at ISIT. The program is tailored to comprehensive schools (from grade 10) and grammar schools (grades 12 and 13).

In addition, ISIT offers a voluntary scientific year program, provides internships, and regularly participates in career fairs.

“With this comprehensive package of information, career orientation, training, and academic engagement, ISIT has truly earned this training certificate,” Lieneke emphasizes. This strong reputation appears to extend beyond Germany’s borders. “Currently, a young man from Morocco is completing an apprenticeship as an electronics technician for industrial engineering at our institute. He applied for a training position at ISIT at the age of 18 while still in Morocco, arrived in Germany at 19, and is now 22 years old. He is very open, responsible, and independent. Through his own dedication and with some support from the Welcome Center during the visa process, we were able to pave his way to Germany. His desire for personal growth aligned perfectly with our commitment to offering opportunities to young talents—regardless of age, gender, nationality, religion, or identity,” explains Vivien Wilkens, HR Recruiting.

“Such openness is still unusual. Even today, it is not a given that companies take this path. Concerns that the effort may not pay off are still widespread. ISIT has demonstrated through its culture of openness that this approach is worthwhile,” Lieneke acknowledges.

For young people, vocational training is highly important, as skilled workers are significantly less likely to be unemployed. Even in the event of job loss, qualified professionals find new employment more quickly than unskilled workers. In 2025, the unemployment rate for individuals with completed vocational training in Steinburg was 3.1 percent, compared to 22.7 percent for those without formal qualifications.

For employers, investing in training is an effective way to ensure access to a sufficient number of skilled workers in the future. In Steinburg, companies have traditionally been strongly committed to training, as reflected in a training rate of 6.2 percent (share of trainees among all employees). Across the state, this rate is 5.0 percent, and nationwide 4.6 percent (latest data: 2024).