National Pre-Selection EuroSkill 2025.
Tom Richter. He qualified for EuroSkills 2025 in Herning after three days of intense competition.
AND THE WINNER IS?
Tom Richter. He qualified for EuroSkills 2025 in Herning after three days of intense competition. What’s remarkable is that, as a "last-minute candidate," he didn’t do any training beforehand. However, his training and daily work at Glasbau Hahn GmbH, where display case construction is one of his main areas of focus, allowed him to more than make up for this disadvantage with his professional experience and solid training. In the end, it was enough for the win.
We have a winner! Tom Richter has qualified for EuroSkills 2025 in Herning after three days of intense competition. How it happened and why it didn’t seem like he would win at one point is typical of the rollercoaster of emotions that the WorldSkills competitions are known for.
It was Tuesday, specifically October 21, 2024, when, at Messe Düsseldorf / Hall 10, at 9:30 AM, a persistent ringing echoed through the speakers. This signaled the start of the national pre-selection for EuroSkills 2025. Six young competitors from the glazing trade fought for three days for the trophy and qualification for the European Championship.
In addition to a glass display case with various applications, such as the sandblasted "Glaser-G" from green real antique glass as a surface bonding, the participants had to assemble a shower model under significant time pressure. The competition was accompanied by the moderation of Tim Kuchenbecker, who skillfully conducted interviews with participants, sponsors, and organizers without disrupting the event itself. After drawing the workstations and explaining the rules, the next-generation elite of the German glazing trade got to work. As a guest, the winner of the Austrian national pre-selection, Marcel Resch, participated. He had already secured his place at EuroSkills and viewed his participation as further training under competition conditions. For Germany, the presence of the Austrian, with his experienced coach Johannes Fichtl, was a good opportunity to learn from the excellent framework conditions of SkillsAustria.
On the first day, planning, cutting, and edge processing were the focus. The technical drawing of the display case served as the basis for the parts list and cutting plans. Since each participant had only a limited amount of glass available, they could not afford many mistakes, except for unnecessary time losses. One noticeable fact was the increased number of spectators compared to previous years. The audience was cleverly guided to the participants through the architecture of the BIV booth and the positioning of the workstations. The competitors themselves were approachable and gladly shared information about themselves and their approach with the audience. However, they always kept their focus on their work. This wasn’t easy, as clusters of trade fair visitors formed from time to time who wanted to experience "glazing live." It must be stated that each of the competitors made a brilliant impression in the public presentation and represented their profession with dignity.
Another noteworthy aspect was the participants' sportsmanship. Even at the expense of valuable competition time, they helped each other. Whether it was aligning a pane or correctly mixing the two-component adhesive, it didn’t matter. What started as a tournament of individual competitors developed, by day two, into a team-oriented event where participants, despite their willingness to help, never lost sight of their personal ambition for victory.
On the second day, the cutting of the Glaser-G and the guild emblem made of real antique glass took center stage. The "G" had to be cut with a diameter of 230mm. Whether the "G" remained in one piece or was fragmented was left up to the participants. Drilling, sawing, cutting, and breaking were required. The second day demanded sweat, blood—as is typical for a glazing competition—and all nerves. Each competitor had exactly two attempts, and in the end, everyone succeeded. Incredible!
The final third day was marked by a peculiar atmosphere. The mental and physical tension of the past days was now visibly taking its toll. The competitors had to mobilize their last reserves to complete the bonding and the display case cleanly. The results, however, were impressive, and with the final whistle, the tension evaporated and was replaced by a calm euphoria.
After the individual objects were carefully examined and evaluated late into the evening, the award ceremony took place on Friday.
On the stage of the BIV booth, Federal Guildmaster Michael Wolter and glasstec Director Lars Wismer announced the winners. Third place went to Chiara Heinrich, second place to Pia Krott, and Tom Richter claimed the top spot on the podium. What’s remarkable is that Mr. Richter, as a last-minute candidate, couldn’t do any training in advance and started the competition at a disadvantage. However, his training and daily work at Glasbau Hahn GmbH, where display case construction was one of his key focuses, allowed him to make up for this disadvantage. Every measurement and angle in his competition piece was perfect, and the bonding was of the highest standard.
So, as a final word and conclusion to this successful event for everyone, we can say: Training is good and important, but nothing teaches a person more than daily practice. The Federal Guild Association of the Glazing Trade congratulates you! We look forward to accompanying Tom Richter to EuroSkills 2025.
AUTHOR: ¡m.e. Rolf Fuess
State-certified Glass & Window Technician.
Coordinator of the Institute for Glazing Technology and Window Construction at the Federal Guild Association of the Glazing Trade.