The approximately 80 "Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHK)" in Germany are professional organisations under public law to which companies of different sizes belong. They include all tradespeople and companies with the exception of pure craft businesses, farms and freelancers. As autonomous self-governing bodies under public law, they are subject only to the legal supervision of the state and represent the interests of their companies vis-à-vis local authorities, state governments and regional government agencies. One of the many business areas is responsible for training and further education.
After passing the final examination in a recognised training occupation or advanced training course, graduates receive an IHK examination certificate. This corresponds analogously to the journeyman's certificate in a skilled trade or the IHK skilled worker certificate. In viticulture, this applies to the professions of cellar master, sommelier, wine consultant, wine culture expert and wine technologist(wine cooper). The IHK centres also offer seminars on topics such as sensory analysis, wine with food and winemaking.
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