Next generation of German trainees with outstanding results at the EuroSkills competition

More than 460 young European trainees and professionals, in the age group from 18 to 25 years, competed against each other in 50 different vocational disciplines. The competition for European titles and best rankings was held for three days in Lisbon, Portugal, from the 9th to 12th December, 2010.

The German team members from Worldskills Germany and the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH) competed in 13 individual and team contests. One girl and 15 boys showed marvellous commitment. The team of technicians from Erfurt, Robert Reichert and Christian Romstedt (Müller Weingarten AG) won the gold medal in the competition for "Mobile Robotics". The CNC milling cutter Alexander Mücke (Härter Werkzeugbau, Königsbach-Stein) won the other gold medal and also received the title "Best of Nation".

Silver medals were won by the plasterer Armin Hummel from Donzdorf, the tiler Georg Weißmüller from Hünfeld and René Giebler, a bicycle mechanic from Frankfurt. The other silver medals were won by the team of mechatronic engineers Stefan Rinklin and Patrick Burger (SICK AG, Bahlingen), mechanical engineer Nils Michalik (VIEGA, Großheringen.) and the road builder team from Weischlitz/Birkweiler, Waldemar Buchmüller and Andreas Knurr. The refrigeration engineer Christian Richter received a bronze medal. Three other participants received medals of excellence.

The competition contributes to a productive exchange across the European training landscape and vocational disciplines. Young people are given the opportunity to meet, to get to know each other, to foster friendships and to gain profound work-related experiences. The job skills contest acts as an important ambassador for the dual system of vocational education and training and upgrades the image of non-academic education.

The German national team, consisting of young professionals from the industry, crafts or service sector, had the chance to train for this competition in their respective companies and vocational schools. They benefitted from the expertise and experience of many professionals, instructors and specialists on-site and received instructions until the very last minute.

WorldSkills Germany will benefit from the positive achievements and experiences for its further development. After all, the next WorldSkills Competition will be held in Leipzig, Germany in 2013 and preparations to host the best young professionals are already underway.