Young Talent in Focus

At just 20 years old, Mika Daldrup has already made a name for himself in the national DVS Young Welders Competition (Jugend schweißt). After taking second place in the state competition in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, he will now compete in the national finals at SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN 2025.

How did you prepare for the state competition in Gelsenkirchen – both technically in TIG welding and mentally for the competition day?

Mika Daldrup: To be honest, I wasn’t really able to prepare properly. Two weeks beforehand, I was on an assignment and worked long hours every day. That left no time for focused training. Basically, I always taught myself welding in my free time. At work, I never actively worked as a welder – I was more involved in assembly. So for me, it was mainly a hobby that I practiced on the side.

What role did your environment play in this and what does it mean to you to now be able to compete in the national finals in Essen?

The biggest support came from my father. He basically became my “manager” because with work assignments and vacation happening at the same time, I couldn’t have managed everything on my own. During the competition, you’re alone in the booth, of course, but he was always there and motivated me. For me, the national finals are mostly a new experience: I’ve never been to SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN before. I think I will mainly be spending time in close exchange with the other participants and that we’ll connect better in the Young Welders Arena.

How do you experience the exchange with the others and what goals are you setting for yourself in the national competition at the trade fair?

The atmosphere at Youth Welds is more friendly than competitive. Everyone supports each other – I have never experienced envy. For me, the national finals at SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN aren’t about winning at all costs. My goal is to have fun, make new contacts and see it through to the end. It is about “fame and honour” – that’s exactly why I am participating.

Info Box: ·        

• Name: Mika Daldrup
• Date of Birth / Age: 30.05.2005 (20 years)

Education & Degrees:  

• Secondary school diploma (Realschule) 
• Successfully completed training as a plant mechanic (specializing in plant construction) at Georg Hagelschuer – graduated with top grades 
• Currently continuing education to become a state-certified mechanical engineering technician

Competition Achievements – Youth Welds: 

• Winner of the DVS district competition in process 141 Tungsten Inert Gas Welding (TIG), qualified for the state competition 
• Second place in the DVS state competition NRW in TIG welding – 92 out of 100 points in theory and practice 
• Qualified for the national finals at SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN 2025 in Essen, Germany