Five spots on the podium as well as 19 medallions for excellence: Vocational education and training in Germany is at world championship level. At this year's WorldSkills Competition, the German team significantly improved upon last year's results.
The best tile layer and the best carpenter in the world come from Germany - in the next generation category. Janis Gentner from Dewangen and Alexander Bruns from Bad Dürkheim (both 21 years old) each won a gold medal at WorldSkills - the world championships of vocational skills - in Kazan in Russia. Over four days, Germany's best skilled completed work tasks within their respective occupation under the watchful eye of the international judges; "fighting it out" against the best in their field. In addition to the two gold medals, the German delegation also brought home three bronze medals and 19 medallions for excellence.
"Standing on the stage is an indescribable feeling," said a delighted Janis Gentner following the awards ceremony. "When there's four of you standing on the stage together and only then do they say who's won, I just can't describe how that feels. Simply unbelievable." Alexander Bruns could confirm: "They were the four best days of my life. The fact that I've done it, after months of preparation, intense competition, and a very close field - there were four silver medals in my skill and I was the only one to get gold. I'm lost for words."
Germany was represented by 39 participants in 34 disciplines. Participation was supported by the Federal Ministry of Education. Overall 1,350 young skilled workers from 63 countries took part to compete in 56 disciplines.
"It was a very good result when you look at the overall team," says Head of Delegation Hubert Romer: "In Kazan we were able to show that dual vocational education and training absolutely can compete around the world. We battled hard in the overall team assessment and moved forward 17 places compared to the last world championships. That is outstanding."
At the end of June Federal Minister of Education and Research Anja Karliczek hosted the German team in the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and gave them an official send-off.
Karliczek stressed that she wanted to show young people the opportunities offered by vocational education and training. For this it was important for vocational guidance to be firmly established in all schools. "Only in this way can all young people find the occupation which is right for them," she explained. And she had one more piece of parting advice for the championship team: "Do what you enjoy - that will serve you well!" It clearly did the trick in Kazan.