When sparks fly and metal melts, it’s once again time for “__Jugend schweißt__”. The DVS – German Welding Association and Related Processes e.V. organizes the “Jugend schweißt” competition on a biennial basis, where young welders between the ages of 16 and 23 demonstrate their welding skills. Prior to the national finals scheduled for September 15–19, 2025 in Essen, preliminary rounds are held at the district and state levels to identify Germany’s best welders.

Preliminary Round for Augsburg

On March 8, 2025, the Swabian Chamber of Crafts in Augsburg opened its welding booths for the district competition. The interest among the SCHULZ workforce was so high that an internal welding test had to be conducted to determine who would have the opportunity to compete with the best in Augsburg. Ultimately, Lio Baptistella, Louis Neuberth, Louis Albrecht, Kevin Zapf, Michel Kragl, and Christoph Götz secured the six available spots on Team SCHULZ and advanced to the district round.

A Successful Team SCHULZ

To qualify for the state competition in Munich on May 17 2025, participants needed to finish in the top two in their respective age categories (Young Welders: born 2006–2009; Advanced Welders: born 2002–2009) and for each welding process (TIG, MAG, and arc welding).

In addition to practical welding, the candidates from the traditional Bamberg-based company also had to prove their theoretical knowledge.

Lio Baptistella (MAG – Young Welder) and Christoph Götz (TIG – Advanced Welder) each achieved an impressive third place in their categories. They narrowly missed the required top two positions needed for advancement by just a few percentage points. Likewise, Michel Kragl (MAG – Young Welder) and Kevin Zapf (TIG – Advanced Welder) showcased their welding skills with outstanding fifth-place finishes at the Swabian Chamber of Crafts. Louis Neuberth and Louis Albrecht particularly shone in the TIG – Young Welder category by finishing first and second, respectively, thus qualifying for the state competition at the SVL in Munich. Across all categories, the six Bamberg participants placed 3rd, 5th, 6th, 13th, 17th, and 18th among all competitors.

Clear Signal

In addition to high-quality prizes—including new automatic welding helmets—Kevin Zapf and Christoph Götz were awarded officially recognized welding certificates for their excellent performances in the advanced category. The outstanding final results achieved by all SCHULZ participants attest to the high importance KASPAR SCHULZ places on nurturing young talent. “__These rankings are a strong signal. They reflect the quality and expertise of our employees, which is incorporated into our products every day,__” proudly explains owner Johannes Schulz-Hess.