They have been the bestseller for many years: spark plugs converted into bottle openers. When the Opel vocational training stand is held again this year at the Rüsselsheim Christmas market on December 8th, there will be a huge rush for this fine piece of industrial craftsmanship. Finally, it is the perfect gift for all automobile lovers.
“We have been offering the spark plug opener for many years,” says trainer Carsten Zirkelbach. “And it’s still a hit.” Zirkelbach estimates that a good 500 pieces could be sold over the three market days. “Unfortunately we can’t make that many. I estimate we will have about 50 in stock as of December 8th. When they’re gone, they’re gone.” In other words, first come, first served.
The Opel trainees have produced a remarkable range in the past few weeks and months.
In addition to Christmas decorations, toys and birdhouses, there is a focus on barbecue accessories.
“We have lots of great gift ideas – it’s worth stopping by!”
– Instructor Carsten Zirkelbach –
But the range of the Opel stand number 9, directly opposite the Evangelical City Church, has lots more beautiful gift ideas made of wood and metal. The trainees and dual students have been sawing, turning, sanding and bending over the past few weeks and months: for example, the Opel Christmas elves have made lanterns and decorative bowls made of stainless steel for fans of simple industrial design. Or cutting boards for anyone looking for something practical. And of course steak spatulas, rust cleaners and other barbecue accessories – “we have specialized in these a little over the years,” reveals the instructor.
As much joy as this little Christmas factory brings to its makers, it also pursues tangible learning goals. For the spark plug bottle opener, for example, nuts have to be milled and threads cut – this trains skills that are considered the basics of metal processing. When designing the steel decorative elements, the trainees practice sheet metal forming. And the aspiring product designers are now responsible for the wooden items. For them, a little carpentry skills are still part of their training, no matter how commonplace PC simulations have become these days.
They want to donate the sales proceeds that the Opel Christmas elves make on the three market days to the Rüsselsheim youth fire departments. In addition to selling the manufactured products, the vocational training team will provide information about the current study and training offerings and is pleased about the interest of young Christmas market visitors in starting a career at Opel. A visit to the Rüsselsheim Christmas market is worth it – feel free to stop by!
We offer practical cutting boards…
…simple, beautiful Advent decoration…
… and toys for the children.
Opening hours of the Rüsselsheim Christmas market:
Friday, December 8th: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m
Saturday, December 9th: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m
Sunday, December 10th: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m
December 2023
Text: Eric Scherer, photos: Opel/Andreas Liebschner