2026 German Automotive Painters Championship

At the Technology Center in Hilden, young automotive painters will have two days to demonstrate their skills. This year’s host and main sponsor is paint manufacturer Nexa Autocolor. In addition to repair and design painting, the program also includes the design of a miniature car model. Brand new this year: For the first time, the participant with the most appealing design of the car shape will be awarded the “Die Gute Form” creativity prize—a special recognition of the creative achievements of these up-and-coming talents. “Great events cast their shadows before them,” explains Steven Didssun, president of the Federal Association of Automotive Painters, in the run-up to the German Championship. “Next year, the tenth edition of the European Skills Championships will take place in Düsseldorf. EuroSkills 2027 is a major event that makes vocational training in Germany and Europe visible, tangible, and attractive. What’s particularly exciting: One participant in the German Championship can still secure a spot at the European Championships and compete there under the German flag in what will be a home game for automotive painters. That’s why the competition tasks in November will already be fully focused on EuroSkills 2027.”

High Demands on Young Automotive Painters

Elena Artmann from Bavaria, who took first place at last year’s German Championship, knows just how high the standards are for young automotive painters: “The biggest challenge was completing the tasks within the allotted time. And even though everyone was competing for themselves, teamwork was a top priority throughout the entire competition. The German Championship was a wonderful experience for me—a chance to meet new people from all over Germany, have fun, and learn a lot!” Once again this year, the 16 best apprentices in Germany will compete in the most prestigious competition for young talent in the automotive painting trade. They have all impressed not only with top grades on their journeyman’s exams but also in preliminary rounds at the chamber and state levels. “We are very pleased to welcome these young talents from all over Germany here in Hilden and to offer them a prominent stage to showcase their skills as part of the German Championship,” said Jochen Kleemann, Managing Director of PPG Germany. The German Automotive Painters’ Championship highlights just how versatile and demanding the profession is. It puts the spotlight on young skilled workers who, with their craftsmanship, technical understanding, and creative flair, demonstrate the expertise gained through training in the automotive painting trade.