Celebrating skill and expertise - 60th Master's Day at Saar University of Technology honors approximately 170 new master-level craftsmen

Celebrating a Century and a Quarter: Saarland Chamber of Crafts Honours New Master Craftsmen and Women

In the heart of Saarbrücken, the Saarlandhalle played host to an evening of celebration as the Saarland Chamber of Crafts (HWK) honoured 167 new master craftsmen and women during their 60th master's celebration on a Saturday evening in 2025.

The event was graced by the presence of Minister President Anke Rehlinger, who congratulated the graduates and praised their exceptional achievements. Rehlinger emphasised the master's title as a quality seal in the crafts, opening up many career paths.

Among the new master craftsmen and women was Carpentry journeyman Jan Eric Bickelmann, who completed his master's exam in 2024 and now manages two traditional craft businesses in Saarbrücken. Bickelmann's masterpiece, an elegant bar furniture made of smoked oak, was on display at the Sparkasse Saarbrücken's masterpiece exhibition in October 2024.

Bickelmann's journey to mastery was not an easy one, as he completed his master's preparation through part-time courses at the HWK, evenings and weekends, parallel to his work in the business. His dedication was evident in his work, which was acknowledged with the IKK Südwest's special prize for outstanding achievements.

The electricians had the largest group with 45 successful graduates, followed by carpenters, confectioners, and painters and varnishers. The master class consisted of 14 trades in total, including bakers, roofers, precision mechanics, tilers, hairdressers, heating and sanitation engineers, automotive technicians, masons and concrete workers, metal workers, chimney sweeps, and more.

Prof. Dr. Jörg Loth, IKK Südwest's board chairman, praised the performance of the award winners. HWK President Helmut Zimmer emphasised the symbolic significance of the evening and the long history of the crafts. Jens Schmitt, CEO of HWK, congratulated the new master craftsmen and women and stated that the master's celebration in 2025 signifies pride for an entire economic sector and the readiness of the next generation.

Cornelia Hoffmann-Bethscheider, President of the Sparkassenverband Saar, conveyed personal greetings to the graduates and urged them to continue pursuing their goals in the craft. Zimmer also highlighted the importance of social commitment during master's preparation, with the IKK special prize acknowledging such efforts.

The ceremony was not just a celebration of individual achievements, but a testament to the continued growth and success of the crafts sector in Saarland. As Bickelmann looks forward to future goals, including economic success and potentially earning a second master's title, the Saarland Chamber of Crafts can be proud of the new generation of master craftsmen and women they have nurtured and honoured.

Celebrating skill and expertise - 60th Master's Day at Saar University of Technology honors approximately 170 new master-level craftsmen