Passionate apprentices conquer Villach: metal duel of the talents!

Passionate apprentices conquer Villach: metal duel of the talents!

Tiroler Straße 23, 9500 Villach, Österreich - On June 7, 2025, the state apprentice competition of the metal technicians took place in Villach. In this exciting event, 37 apprentices competed in two categories: mechanical engineering and machining technology as well as land and construction machine technology. The apprentices had to demonstrate their skills under time pressure and before observing a jury. Tasks such as the analysis of a sorting system and the exact production of a drive shaft were part of the range of tasks in mechanical engineering, while the participants in the other category should diagnose complex systems such as lighting systems, engines and joint shafts. This reports Klick Kärnten .

Michael Velmeden, the industrial division, underlined the importance of well -trained specialists for the business location. Karl Paulitsch, the state guild master of the Carinthian metal technicians, praised the commitment and precision of the apprentices and described the competition as a valuable stage for young talents. In addition, this is a clear sign of the future viability of dual training in Carinthia.

results of the competition

The best performance was awarded in both categories. The results in the field of mechanical engineering and machining technology are:

• 1. Place: Grigore Pleskonjic, Kostwein Maschinenbau GmbH
• 2. Place: Valentina Pleskonjic, Kostwein Maschinenbau GmbH
• 3. Place: Michael Jakopitsch, Strabag BMTI GmbH

In the category of agricultural and construction machinery technology, the following participants were able to convince:

• 1. Place: Philipp Rohnenkohl, Esch-Technik Maschinenhandels GesmbH
• 2. Place: Niklas Zmug, Konrad Forstechnik GmbH
• 3. Space: Samuel Serein, our warehouse in Warenhandelsgesellschaft

The two best participants of each category qualify for the federal apprentice competition, which takes place in Upper Austria from October 10th to 12th, 2025. These preparations accompany the apprentices on the way to their professional future.

specialist shortage in craft

The competition takes place in a context that is characterized by an acute shortage of skilled workers in the craft. According to a study, which was published by Kofa in 2022, a record of around 236.818 open places in craft professions was achieved. This shows the growing interest in the craft, while the number of unemployed craftsmen declines. Nevertheless, 128,891 vacancies could not be occupied, which indicates a continued demand in times of good economy in the building trade.

shortage of skilled workers can be felt particularly in areas such as the building electrics and the sanitary, heating and air conditioning technology. Around eight out of ten vacancies could not be filled in these professions. Dual training is seen as a central approach to securing skilled workers in the craft, considering the fact that the number of newly concluded training contracts is declining overall. The event in Villach not only offers a platform for talents, but could also make a contribution to the long -term strengthening of the industry.