VAHLE trainees set a shining example for their city with "#KAMENLIEBE"
Apprentices create photo backdrop from VAHLE conductor rails, photo competition invites visitors to take part
Kamen, 19 November 2025 - Creative, technically adept and with a strong team spirit: The trainees at Paul Vahle GmbH & Co KG have created an impressive photo backdrop with their "#KAMENLIEBE" project. The 1.60-metre-high and four-metre-wide lettering made from original VAHLE conductor rail profiles will be presented to the public for the first time at the opening of the 13th Kamener Winterwelt on 27 November 2025.
"Our trainees realised the project independently, from the initial idea to the finished structure, with a great deal of initiative, technical expertise and a big heart for Kamen," says Kathrina Adelsberger, Head of Training at VAHLE. "The result is something to be proud of: a shining symbol for Kamen and a great example of how technical knowledge from training can be put to practical use for the common good."
The installation at Kamener Winterwelt will be accompanied by a photo competition organised by the Kamen-Initiative für Gewerbeentwicklung e.V. (KIG). Visitors can submit their best "#KAMENLIEBE" moments until 24 December 2025. The best submissions will be honoured and presented online.
The idea for the project was born in spring 2025, when the KIG asked VAHLE whether the company could take over the design of the photo backdrop for the popular Winter World competition. This quickly developed into an independent trainee project. "Pull up your sleeves and let's go!" was the motto.
From the first sketch to 3D models in CAD, the 3D printing of individual components to the final production and assembly, the trainees, supported by their trainer, took on all the work steps independently. The lettering consists of plastic profiles from original VAHLE conductor rails; conductive copper or other metals are deliberately not used. Jannes Krüger, trainee technical product designer, explains: "We want to electrify people with our project, but not electrify them". He adds: "The project gave us a great opportunity to combine theory and practice. Seeing how an idea can be turned into a visible symbol in the centre of the city makes us incredibly proud."
From 27 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, the 13th Kamener Winterwelt invites you to enjoy atmospheric weeks full of light, music and movement in the city centre. In addition to the natural ice rink and the Advent market, highlights such as "Fashion on Ice", "Fire on Ice", the GSW city curling championships and numerous stage events will ensure an unforgettable winter experience.
The "#KAMENLIEBE" photo point at the Telgmann fountain will be a special crowd-puller and a place for souvenir photos, a meeting point and a symbol of the city's living solidarity. It ideally complements the festive lighting, the varied stage programme and the culinary offerings surrounding the Winter World.
Adelsberger summarises: "With this project, our trainees not only demonstrate their technical knowledge, but also their local commitment to Kamen. It combines training, creativity and community in an exemplary way."
Anyone wishing to follow the creation of the lettering in detail can scan the QR code on the lettering on site. It will take you to the landing page vahle.com/kamenliebe, where you’ll find background information, photos, and videos of the construction phase.
Further information about the Kamener Winterwelt can be found at: kamener-winterwelt.de
Further information on the photo competition at: kig-kamen.de
