Experience business in Stormarn

New educational initiative strengthens the entrepreneurial spirit of young people

How does an idea become a company? This is exactly what young people experience in the new educational initiative "Wirtschaften erleben Stormarn", which was launched in the Stormarn district in the 2025/26 school year.

Official project kick-off with strong partners

On 9 February 2026, the project was presented at a WAS press conference together with District Administrator Dr Henning Görtz, School Councillor Nicole Völschow, Nicola Rackebrandt (Managing Partner of STERAC Transport & Logistik GmbH, Anja Pleus (CEO and owner of the TOPMOTIVE Group) and Thomas Bothe (Member of the Board of Sparkasse Holstein). On behalf of all participating companies from the Stormarn district, they made it clear why their commitment is more than just sponsorship: it is about responsibility for the region, early promotion of young talent, real practical insights instead of grey theory and actively countering the shortage of skilled workers.

Nicola Rackebrandt, Managing Partner of STERAC Transport & Logistik GmbH, emphasised:

"Our motto was and is: DO IT! If we succeed in taking away young people's fear of the future and giving them guidance, then the project will be a complete success for me."

Anja Pleus, CEO and owner of the TOPMOTIVE Group, added:

"When young people experience that their ideas count and that they can build something of their own, it creates self-confidence - and that's exactly what we need for the future."

Created from the economy for the region

A key element of the project is the close collaboration with regional companies. So far, 10 companies have been actively involved, contributing their practical experience and running the course units together with their employees. This gives the young people a realistic insight into everyday working life, company processes and career prospects in the region. The impetus for the project came from the IT'S STORMARN business network, which recognised the importance of practical business education at an early stage.

The project is set to grow further from the 2026/27 school year. The plan is to include at least one more school location in the Stormarn district and to involve additional committed companies from the region. Allergopharma GmbH & Co KG, Almirall Hermal GmbH, Basler AG, HEROSE GmbH, E. Michaelis & Co, Krüger Aviation GmbH, Sparkasse Holstein, STERAC Transport & Logistik GmbH, Stern-Wywiol Gruppe GmbH & Co KG and the TOPMOTIVE Gruppe are already involved.

They are representative of a strong regional economy in Stormarn with a total of almost 4,000 employees in the region, which takes responsibility and inspires young people to think entrepreneurially at an early age.

Clear words from politics and schools

District Administrator Dr Henning Görtz: "Wirtschaften erleben Stormarn" is a real success story and should reach even more pupils and schools in the Stormarn district. With the planned expansion, other companies are also invited to become actively involved in promoting young talent and to help shape Stormarn's economic future together with young people. "

The school councillor in attendance also emphasised that this practical approach is a very useful addition to regular lessons.

Young people at the centre

Lauri and Maarten, two pupils from SLG Ahrensburg, showed that this concept works. They gave insights into their own project work - authentically, reflectively and with palpable enthusiasm. This is exactly where it becomes clear what is possible when young people are given real insights and taken seriously.

"Wirtschaften erleben Stormarn" is more than just a project. It is an investment in the skilled labour of tomorrow and an appeal to other companies in the region:

Get involved. Contribute your experience. Shape the future - together with young people in Stormarn.

Experience business in Stormarn