Kaufbeurer Steinmetz Michael Neumann represents Germany at Worldskills 2024

Kaufbeurer Steinmetz Michael Neumann represents Germany at Worldskills 2024

Michael Neumann, a talented stone mason from Kaufbeuren, is very lucky to represent Germany at this year's “Worldskills” in Lyon (France). From September 10th to 15th, 2024, over 1,400 champions of their field gather from 85 countries to demonstrate their skills and to fight the title of the world champion in their respective professions. The focus is on the motto "Where there is a skill there is a way", which symbolizes the passion and commitment of the participants.

Neumann is part of the "Team Germany", which also includes car mechatronics engineers, bakers and florists in addition to him. His journey to this prestigious competition began in autumn last year during a selection competition. At the Bavarian championship in the stonemasonry, he produced a journeyman's piece from Heimisches Grüntenstein, which convinced the jury and paved his way to the "Worldskills".

preparation for a challenging competition

The upcoming days in Lyon are characterized by intensive preparations. Neumann has trained intensively since the end of March to prepare for the challenges that await him. "It is a tightrope walk between precision and speed," he explains. In an innovative competition format, the participants are asked to implement a drawing into stone, starting with a CAD drawing-an innovation that was introduced this year.

The pressure under which Neumann is, however, is not just a technical nature; Mental strength also plays a crucial role. "The biggest challenge is to stay concentrated over the entire duration of the competition," said the young stonemason. Despite all the pressure to perform, Neumann is looking forward to the possibilities that he offers: "I look forward to learning from the international participants and getting to know their different techniques and working methods."

His passion for the stonemasonry is reflected in his enthusiasm to transform the raw matter into something artistic. "A simple stone block becomes an impressive gable through precise work and careful planning," he enthuses and refers to a current project. The various challenges associated with the profession not only make the job exciting for him, but also significant.

tradition meets modern technology

Neumann is optimistic when it comes to the future of the stonemasonry and emphasizes the need for a harmonious connection between traditional techniques and modern technologies. "We live from the imagination," he explains, emphasizing the meaning of creativity. The use of CAD technology is a valuable tool, but it ultimately depends on the ideas and the manual skill.

Unfortunately, fewer and fewer young people choose training in the craft, which Neumann finds it questionable. He also sees his participation in the “Worldskills” as an opportunity to draw more attention to manual professions: “I hope that we are talking more about these professions at school,” he says. For Neumann it is clear that the joy of his own work is the most important thing, a motto of life he learned from his father.

The "Worldskills" also offer Neumann the opportunity to show his skills on an international stage and to bring the profession of stonemasons closer to a broad audience. French President Emmanuel Macron is also expected among the spectators, which further underlines the importance of the competition. "It's nice that you get recognition here again," Neumann looks at the upcoming days in Lyon.