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Trainee of the Year 2025: Paul Schenk is aiming for a championship title!
Paul Schenk from Teterow is named “Trainee of the Year 2025” and is planning to become a master.
Trainee of the Year 2025: Paul Schenk is aiming for a championship title!
What an exciting day for the Teterow region and its young craftsmen! Paul Schenk, a 20-year-old automotive mechatronics engineer, was ceremonially named “Trainee of the Year 2025” on December 6, 2025. This honor was bestowed on him by the Güstrow District Crafts Association and the Zeppelin Foundation Appelhagen, which annually honors talented young craftsmen. Schenk owes the award to his excellent performance in the journeyman's examination, which now gives him prize money of 1,000 euros as well as a subsidy of 3,000 euros for his upcoming master school.
What is particularly noteworthy is that Schenk is the first bachelor to have previously received a scholarship from the Zeppelin Foundation. Among the scholarships awarded by the foundation, he receives an additional 500 euros, which he can donate to a good cause. He successfully completed his training at the Brinkmann car dealership in Stavenhagen and is now planning to start a ten-month master school in Schwerin in the spring. This school will help him realize his dream of becoming self-employed. His commitment is reflected not only in his training, but also in the international experience he was able to gain through an Erasmus scholarship.
Volunteering and a sense of community
Another focus of the award is on the voluntary commitment of the young craftsmen. Carlo Schwarz, also 20 years old and an apprentice bricklayer from Schwasdorf, was also honored. Schwarz learned in his own company “SchwarzBau”, which was founded in 2009, and receives a scholarship of 125 euros per month from the Zeppelin Foundation. The initiatives of the Güstrow District Crafts Association and the Zeppelin Foundation are aimed at not only promoting technical skills, but also strengthening the sense of responsibility and sense of community among aspiring craftsmen. Applications for these awards are open to trainees from Teterow and the Mecklenburg Switzerland area.
Why is supporting the next generation so important? The partnership between the training centers and foundations such as the Zeppelin Foundation not only provides financial support, but also valuable insights into the practical processes of the companies. Information about dual training at Zeppelin shows how theory and practice are linked. The students not only develop professional skills, but also social skills - a combination that is very popular in today's working world. These experiences are not only crucial for personal development, but also strengthen the network of young talents and prepare them excellently for future challenges.
With their achievements, Paul Schenk and Carlo Schwarz are a sign of the commitment and the future of the skilled trades in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. It remains exciting to see which paths the two young talents will take after graduating.