The new competition "GRINDER OF THE YEAR" is aimed at emerging grinding talent from the DACH region. Apprentices, journeymen, and career changers are invited to apply by February 26, 2024. Following a preliminary round comprising a theoretical exam and training on the competition machine provided by the main sponsor, ANCA, the top five performers will demonstrate their practical skills live during the GrindingHub event in Stuttgart by grinding a workpiece or tool. Alongside the title "GRINDER OF THE YEAR 2024," educational vouchers of up to €3,500 and other attractive prizes are up for grabs. This competition not only solidifies GrindingHub's claim as an international hub for grinding technology but also sets strong impulses for combating skilled labor shortages and fostering grinding talent.

"Youth and skilled labor shortages are central challenges of our time. With its clear focus, international orientation, and contemporary hybrid trade fair concept as a meeting point for grinding technology, GrindingHub is the optimal platform for us at VDW to set clear impulses in the area of talent promotion. With the competition GRINDER OF THE YEAR, we are making a strong statement," says Dr. Markus Heering, Managing Director of the Verein Deutscher Werkzeugmaschinenfabriken e.V. (VDW). The association, in cooperation with Messe Stuttgart and the Swiss Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Industries (SWISSMEM) association, organizes GrindingHub in Stuttgart. KSKOMM, the PR and content agency for companies in the metalworking industry, has been commissioned with organizing and conducting the GRINDER OF THE YEAR competition.

Participation in the junior competition 'GRINDER OF THE YEAR' offers companies the opportunity to nominate their promising grinding talents, while interested individuals can register independently. The preselection of finalists is made through a theoretical examination evaluated by a panel of experts. The top five participants qualify for the exciting final round challenge, which takes place live at the GrindingHub in Stuttgart, following an intensive two-day training on the tool grinding machine, the FX5 Ultra, at the Weinheim branch of the main sponsor, ANCA Pty from Melbourne, Australia.

Edmund Boland, responsible for the global machine tool business area at ANCA, says: "The professions of grinding technology with their many technical challenges and the constant need for further training are very versatile and diverse. Parts are becoming increasingly complex, and tolerances are becoming tighter, which also raises the demands on grinders. We want to help address these challenges with our products. Additionally, we are happy to support initiatives like the GRINDER OF THE YEAR challenge when it comes to actively countering skilled labor and talent shortages. Inspiring young people for these promising and highly interesting high-tech professions is a special concern for us. All those who participate in the challenge and are among the top five finalists can look forward to our competition machine."

The FX5 ULTRA 5-axis tool grinding machine was developed for flexible use in regrinding and production, with a special focus on the operator. The flexible and easily adaptable touchscreen interface, as well as ergonomic components and functions, facilitate machine setup, operation, and loading.

Edmund Boland adds: "The FX5 ULTRA is the latest member of our ULTRA series with a range of innovative software, hardware, and design features centered around the newly introduced nanometer control system. We are proud to be the main sponsor of this new competition, which fits very well into our celebrations for ANCA's 50th anniversary in 2024."

Who can participate in the competition?

Apprentices, career changers, journeymen, or aspiring professionals from the grinding sector in metalworking can participate in GRINDER OF THE YEAR. The competition seeks talent from the German, Austrian, and Swiss production environments of grinding technology. This includes professions such as machining mechanic, precision mechanic, precision tool mechanic, specialist for metal technology (machining technology), metalworking specialist, machining specialist, machine and system operator, punching and forming mechanic, polymechanic, production mechanic, and tool mechanic.

Barbara Hannappel, Managing Director of KSKOMM, says: "Equal opportunities for all and lots of fun at numerous side events in a relaxed atmosphere and a strong sense of togetherness. This spectacular junior competition promises exciting competitions and extremely lucrative opportunities for young talent in metalworking. Participants open the door to a career with promising prospects amidst rapid technological change. GRINDER OF THE YEAR enables them to showcase their skills and accelerate their careers in metalworking! Therefore, my request to companies, supervisors, and training officers: Please disseminate information about the competition in your companies so that many young talents register and have the chance to win not only attractive educational prizes but also to show the fun and joy they have in their profession."

Strong challenge, lucrative prizes:

• Prize: Education voucher worth €3,500 (e.g., for a master course, participation in seminars, conferences, training, etc.)
• Prize: Education voucher worth €2,000
• Prize: Education voucher worth €1,000
• 5th place: Each receives an education voucher worth €500

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For ALL five finalists:

• Two-day training on the competition machine at the machine manufacturer ANCA, including overnight stay and evening event in Weinheim.
• Invitation to the competition venue with two nights' accommodation and an exclusive evening event for the final participants in Stuttgart.
• Participation in a high-profile industry event

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For more information, visit:

grinder-of-the-year.de

The application documents can be submitted until February 26, 2024, to:

bewerbung@grinder-of-the-year.de

Source | VDW