10 Years of Supporting Talent: Siegfried Schulte Foundation Celebrates Successful Anniversary
Lüdenscheid, October 2026. A strong signal for the education and business community in South Westphalia: The foundation established in 2014 by Lüdenscheid-based entrepreneur Siegfried Schulte is celebrating ten years of active support for young talent. Since awarding its first scholarship in 2016, the foundation has granted 27 scholarships to young skilled professionals pursuing a second educational pathway and embarking on a technical degree. By the end of 2026, total funding will have reached approximately €390,000.
The foundation consistently focuses on practical experience: It supports young skilled professionals who, after completing vocational training or gaining practical work experience, take the step towards higher education and pursue a technical degree. With a monthly grant of €600, the foundation bridges the financial gap that inevitably arises when moving from a regular salary to university life.
Skilled professionals with practical expertise for the region
The importance of this initial support is illustrated by the career path of Jonas Werthmann, for example. After completing three and a half years of vocational training as an automotive mechatronics technician, he initially worked in the industry for six months before obtaining his technical university entrance qualification at a vocational college and enrolling at South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences in Iserlohn. His degree programme: Mechanical Engineering, specialising in Automotive Engineering.
"Without a regular income, money was often tight, and it was difficult to cover ongoing expenses," Werthmann explains, describing the situation faced by many students pursuing a second educational pathway. The crucial tip eventually came from the university: "A professor drew my attention to the Siegfried Schulte Foundation. The eligibility requirements were a perfect match for my background."
With this financial support, Werthmann was able to complete his degree without delay. His next step: a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering. He is currently comparing programmes at universities in Iserlohn, Dortmund and Wuppertal for the upcoming summer semester.
Responsibility at the Lüdenscheid Site
For Lüdenscheid-based entrepreneur Siegfried Schulte, owner of Schulte - Elektrotechnik GmbH & Co. KG and the EVOline brand, this initiative is a matter close to his heart: "Small and medium-sized businesses need precisely these hands-on people who know how to hold a screwdriver and can combine that practical instinct with engineering expertise." Drawing on his own experience, he knows that if businesses in South Westphalia are to remain fit for the future and tackle the shortage of skilled workers, they must make it easier for experienced practitioners to pursue a university degree.
Applications can be submitted digitally by email. Students enrolled in technical degree programmes are eligible to apply if they have completed initial vocational training or have relevant professional experience.
Further information and eligibility requirements: https://siegfried-schulte-stiftung.de/#antraege
About Schulte - Elektrotechnik
Behind EVOline is Schulte - Elektrotechnik. In 1964, Siegfried Schulte established his own engineering business in Lüdenscheid – and to this day continues to pursue his vision of safe and intelligent electrical solutions.
As a provider of modular system solutions for power and data connections, EVOline develops products covering the entire spectrum of electrification for both modern office environments and residential spaces.
Today, Schulte - Elektrotechnik operates worldwide through more than 30 sales partners. Around 200 employees manufacture all EVOline products at the company's Lüdenscheid site, with a high degree of vertical integration. The significant amount of manual assembly involved in production ensures outstanding workmanship and product quality.
EVOline has received numerous design awards. Schulte - Elektrotechnik has been manufacturing energy-efficient and environmentally conscious products under the “Made in Germany” label for more than six decades.
About Siegfried Schulte
Siegfried Schulte is the founder and owner of Schulte - Elektrotechnik GmbH & Co. KG, a company with a history spanning more than 60 years. Under the brand name EVOline®, the company develops, manufactures and distributes innovative, modular electrical systems worldwide. These systems are designed for the decentralised distribution of power and data in office, kitchen and living room furniture. They are developed and produced in Germany and marketed internationally. Among other distinctions, Siegfried Schulte was awarded the Diesel Medal in Gold in recognition of his inventions.
In 2014, on the occasion of the company’s 50th anniversary, Siegfried Schulte founded the Siegfried Schulte Foundation, based in Lüdenscheid, Germany.