The best chemical laboratory assistant of North Rhine-Westphalia learned at the Kohlenforschung

Antonia Boix completed her training as a chemical laboratory technician with top marks and was honored at the IHK “Landesbestenehrung” in Aachen

The best trainees from all 16 chambers of industry and commerce (IHKs) in North Rhine-Westphalia were honoured in Aachen on November 3. Gisela Kohl-Vogel, President of the Aachen Chamber of Industry and Commerce, and Managing Director Michael F. Bayer honored 215 graduates for their top results. Seven top graduates from the IHK districts of Essen, Mülheim an der Ruhr and Oberhausen were invited to Aachen, one of them Antonia Boix, who completed her training as a chemical laboratory technician at our institute.

"Antonia was very committed, open-minded and eager to learn throughout her entire training period," says training manager Laila Sahraoui. She strived to get involved in complex research projects and competently supported the teams from the research and service departments. "It quickly became clear that we could shorten Antonia's apprenticeship to three years due to her good performance. However, the fact that she is one of the best trainees of North Rhine-Westphalia is outstanding. We wish her all the best for her studies and hope that Antonia will inspire many schoolgirls to choose a STEM subject in the future," says Sahraoui.

"Chemistry is just such a colorful and creative science," says Antonia. When asked about her recipe for success, she reveals that learning together with the other trainees helped her a lot with her exam preparation. In addition, she really enjoyed the analytical work in gas chromatography. Recently, Antonia started studying chemistry and English at Bochum's Ruhr University. She wants to become a teacher: "My apprenticeship is a great basis. However, I realized that I just really enjoy English and explaining things. As a teacher, I can do both, share my passions for language and science and work with school students," says Boix.

The IHK's award for the best apprentices of North Rhine Westphalia

The North Rhine-Westphalian Chambers of Industry and Commerce have been awarding prizes to the best graduates in the state since 1992 in order to raise public awareness of the importance of in-company training for the economic success of the state and at the same time to recognize the personal achievements of the trainees.

The two best graduates in their respective training occupation are honoured, provided they have achieved at least 92 out of a possible 100 points. The IHKs examine in almost 120 training occupations.

Link to the (German) announcement of the IHK MEO.