IHK TOP Training Company 2026

optimal media honoured for the 11th time as a TOP training company

On 23 June 2026, optimal media was once again recognised by the Neubrandenburg Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) as a “TOP Training Company” – for the eleventh time. This award honours companies that have demonstrated a long-standing commitment to high-quality vocational training over the years.

At a formal ceremony, Kathrin Engler (trainee coach) and Dirk Köhn (deputy head of the Digital Data Storage Media Production department) accepted the award on behalf of optimal media.

All training companies that have consistently offered IHK-accredited apprenticeship programmes in the region to a very high standard for at least five years were eligible to apply for the title of “IHK TOP Training Company 2026”. During the application process, the companies answered questions on the topics of training organisation, support for apprentices, career guidance, as well as environmental protection, sustainability, the digitalised world of work and career prospects.

Following a formal review of the application documents, the Neubrandenburg Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) checked, amongst other things, compliance with legal requirements and details regarding training periods. An independent jury then assessed the submitted documents and decided on the award of the title “IHK TOP Training Company”.

This was the 15th time the Neubrandenburg Chamber of Industry and Commerce had presented the award. Once again this year, optimal media was among the 71 companies honoured.

The picture above shows from left: Dr Andreas Dikow (Head of the REFA Institute), Antje Grundmann (Managing Director of BUW), Kathrin Engler, Dirk Köhn (both from optimal media), two other award-winner and to their right Krister Hennige (IHK President) | Photo: © Ulrike Kielmann