Solemn absolution: 103 new road guards in Gelsenkirchen

Solemn absolution: 103 new road guards in Gelsenkirchen

On July 9, 2025 the time had come: 103 newly qualified road guards received their final certificates in Gelsenkirchen. The festive absolution ceremony was celebrated in the Holy Cross Church and provided a celebratory setting for the graduates, who are now ready to maintain and care for the roads and green spaces in North Rhine-Westphalia. Roads.NRW Director Dr. Sascha Kaiser congratulated the graduates on their achievements.

The best of the year stands out among the graduates: Nina Hoffmann from Wirtschaftsbetriebe Oberhausen was able to achieve an impressive 89.6 points and thus secure first place. Robin Maas from the municipality of Kranenburg follows closely behind in second place with 89.4 points, while David Lamparter from the city of Euskirchen took third place with 87.1 points. David even took his exam early in winter 2024/2025, which is a special achievement.

Training to become a road guard

The dual training to become a road guard usually lasts three years and takes place both in the training company and in the vocational school. The demands are high: Street workers have to take care of the inspection and maintenance of streets, highways, parking lots and green spaces and identify sources of danger such as potholes or faded traffic markings at an early stage. Essential tasks include repairing damage caused by accidents or weather conditions, as well as mowing grass verges and carrying out winter services such as clearing and gritting services.

A total of 116 candidates took part in the 2025 summer exam, with 13 candidates taking an early exam. The grades were mixed: 17 times the grade was “good”, 66 times “satisfactory” and 20 times “sufficient”. Eight candidates did not pass the exam, two were absent due to sick leave or cancellation. However, they have the opportunity to catch up on parts of the exam during the 2025/2026 winter exam.

Career opportunities for road maintenance workers

A promising professional future opens up for graduates. After training, you can expect a gross monthly salary of between 2,300 and 2,500 euros. There are also numerous further training opportunities, such as becoming a road maintenance master, where the earning potential can increase up to 3,500 euros. Working in this profession is not only diverse, but is also often outdoors, which many graduates appreciate.

The resulting community and the feeling of making an important contribution to the safety and maintenance of the infrastructure are an additional incentive for many. What is also particularly exciting is that 16 road guards received their master's certificates as part of the celebration, including ten from Straßen.NRW, four from city administrations and others from various authorities. This shows a clear increase in skilled workers in the field of road maintenance.

Anyone thinking of taking up this profession should have technical skills, caution and attentiveness. Lessons in subjects such as mathematics, crafts and technology lay the foundation for later job tasks. Conversely, the prospective road guards can also develop their skills further in their careers, be it in maintaining roads and traffic areas or in monitoring construction sites.

The ceremonial absolution of the road guards not only shows what a valuable role this profession plays, but also how important it is to promote qualified specialists in this area. The city of Gelsenkirchen, as well as other regional cities, benefit from this committed young generation and can look forward to a safe and well-maintained infrastructure.

Further information and details about training can be found on the websites of Straßen.NRW, Azubi NRW and Training.de, where interested prospective road guards are offered valuable tips.