Full steam ahead for the future
The 5th Enke Impuls Camp is a hit at the Nürburgring
Some events are just dates in the calendar. Others become experiences. And then there’s the Enke Impuls Camp.
What began a few years ago as a unique format is now a real highlight for the next generation of roofing professionals. At the 5th Enke Impuls Camp at the Nürburgring, apprentices, experts and industry partners came together to share knowledge, experience enthusiasm and discuss the future of the trade.
Amidst motor racing, workshops and genuine interactions, one thing became clear: if you want to reach young people, you have to offer more than just theory. You need experiences that stick in the memory.
Supporting the next generation. Bringing the trades to life.
Some events are simply dates in the calendar. Others are experiences. And then there’s the Enke Impuls Camp.
What began a few years ago as a unique idea has long since become a firm fixture in the roofing trade. Known throughout Germany, highly sought-after and now almost legendary: From 12 to 14 June 2026, the Enke Impuls Camp brought together up to 150 apprentices from the (roofing) trades and retail sector for the fifth time – this time, for the second time, at a venue that seems tailor-made for the weekend’s motto: Go full throttle.
In the heart of the historic Nürburgring, a world of its own came to life for three days. Right next to the legendary race track, the participants pitched their tents, swapped their work clothes for team spirit and their everyday lives for adventure. Whilst the engines of the Nürburgring Classic, taking place in parallel, were already roaring around the circuit, something at least as impressive was taking shape in the ‘craftsmen’s paddock’: a sense of community.
It became clear as early as Friday that not even the infamous Eifel weather could dampen the mood. No sooner had the participants arrived from all corners of Germany and neighbouring countries than any initial reservations vanished faster than a racing car on the start-finish straight. In no time at all, a group of individuals became a united whole. There was laughter, discussion, getting to know one another and networking.
And because, as everyone knows, you don’t stand still for long at the Nürburgring, the first highlight wasn’t long in coming: a race car tug-of-war on the original start-and-finish straight. It was all about muscle power rather than horsepower.
A spectacular test of strength, where the fun factor was at least as high as the participants’ heart rates.
After a hearty dinner, it was time for the traditional hammer-driving competition – a discipline which regularly demonstrates that manual dexterity doesn’t always automatically translate into accuracy.
A weekend of learning, team spirit and genuine enthusiasm
Saturday was then all about knowledge, inspiration and competition. At the Nürburgring’s original press centre, participants were treated to a high-calibre series of talks, hosted by Tobias Backhaus and Max Kainzinger. The line-up included prominent figures and experts who shared insights not from textbooks, but from real life
ZVDH President Dirk Bollwerk spoke about the future of the roofing trade, whilst Coletta Giltz discussed her journey as a woman in the trades. Marc Peschel and Falk Kirchner provided fascinating insights into industrial climbing. Maximilian Schmitz highlighted the importance of strong networks within the guilds, whilst Felix Moll brought home the opportunities offered by digitalisation in the skilled trades. In short: plenty of inspiration. Honest, practical and motivating.
But anyone who thought that was the end of the day’s programme hadn’t reckoned with the Impuls Camp. In the afternoon, it was back to work. Climbing, building Pfeiferl structures, Liquid plastic waterproofing competitions, tricky brainteasers and numerous team challenges really put the participants through their paces. Yet it was never just about points or rankings. Above all, it was about finding solutions together, taking responsibility and pushing themselves beyond their limits.
The grand finale of the competition was the big tug-of-war. One last time, the participants mobilised their remaining reserves of strength before the winners were honoured in the evening and the final night of the camp began.
Ideas for the future of the skilled trades
On Sunday, many tired but, above all, happy participants finally set off for home. They took with them new friendships, valuable experiences, fresh
motivation and countless stories that will no doubt be recounted in their workplaces for a long time to come.
The 5th Enke Impuls Camp was therefore far more than just an event. It was a resounding success. Perfectly organised, characterised by team spirit, passion and a
sense of community that impressively demonstrated just how strong the future of the skilled trades can be.
A heartfelt thank you goes to all the participants – you were simply brilliant!
Likewise to all the organisers, supporters and the many hard-working Enke staff on site who worked day and night to ensure this weekend ran smoothly. Or, to stick with the Nürburgring analogy: for ensuring that, despite going full throttle, nobody flew off the track ????
WE’re already looking forward to the next one!