"If I can do it, I will do it and I will be super motivated!" - Dominik Nöcker is DACH+HOLZ International 2026 Ambassador

Together with Theresa Damm, Dominik Nöcker is the face DACH+HOLZ International 2026. The 35-year-old master carpenter from Sundern advises young people to never stand still, to accept challenges and to keep learning.

"If I can do this, I will do it and I will be super motivated!" - With this attitude, Dominik Nöcker, a master carpenter from Sundern, starts every working day. In the interview, he talks about his passion for the roofing trade, the digital transformation and the challenges facing the industry today.

Dominik, you once said that being a carpenter, a specialist in roof construction and re-roofing, is the most exciting thing you can do. What do you like most about your work?

Dominik: especially the traditional look and versatility. I find it incredibly interesting that this craft is still largely the same today as it was before, for example working with slate. And at the same time the portfolio, which was already large, has expanded with energy renovation or green and flat roofs. Every site is different, nothing is the same.

What tasks do you most enjoy and what are your biggest challenges?

Dominik: I am currently employed as a master at Stappert Dachkonzepte GmbH (Meschede). In the beginning it was really a big challenge to independently calculate an offer, sell it and put it into practice so that everything fits together in the end. In the meantime, I do a lot of complicated things. When it gets difficult, I think until I find the best solution so that the implementation is perfect. It has almost become an obsession.

Are there any projects or works you are particularly proud of?

Dominik: We have already realized some big and complicated projects. Among them was a kindergarten where the facade had to be completely insulated with aluminum panels on a substructure. I only had a picture of the facade and the raw material. I had to imagine the mounting plan and the inside and outside corners and manually bend all the panels. The site took eight months and was really something special.

What has been the most instructive experience in your professional career so far?

Dominik: That's hard to answer. In fact, the best moments of reflection are when you do something wrong, learn from it and then start again. For example, I really enjoy watching an experienced craftsman. I watch carefully and "steal a peek" so I can learn from it.

You've been working in roofing for almost 20 years. How has the job changed for you in that time?

Dominik: What I notice the most: customers' thinking has changed. I started in 2006. Back then, the trade still had a bit of a negative image in the sense that "craftsmen are dirty, everything is expensive." Now I notice that a lot of customers are incredibly grateful when you come. There is a certain appreciation for craftsmanship again.

Digitalization is advancing in many crafts. What role does it play in your daily work?

Dominik: We switched more than a year ago to specialized software for the industry and also introduced digital time recording. This makes daily work incredibly easy. Everything is digital and easily accessible in one place. Every employee can access their project with their phone and see what they need to do, they can enter notes. We also have tablets, where you can see everything bigger, for example an assembly plan. This makes the contact with the boss or with me, as a master, short in case of problems: at any time and from any place you can see the project and solve the problem immediately.

Are there certain digital tools or technologies that you and your team use regularly?

Dominik: The cordless screwdriver with torque measuring device comes to mind. The measured data can be read off and then used as proof of fastening, for example when installing a photovoltaic system or a facade substructure.

To what extent do you think digitization will influence the future of carpentry?

Dominik: That will definitely happen! If only because you no longer have paperwork and paper chaos. Just time recording or site documentation becomes incredibly simple. Digitization also educates employees to some extent about responsibility, making them accountable for their actions.

Alongside all the news and innovations in technology - traditional craftsmanship remains important. How do you strike a balance?

Dominik: Traditional, craft techniques are quite simple. With novelty comes more appropriate hand movements and skill. When a new product or system comes on the market, we receive training or a specialized fitter comes to us and we develop the right techniques. And then it's up to your own initiative how you implement the novelty for yourself. If you're handy at your craft, it comes by itself.

When you look to the future: what developments do you want to see for the carpentry trade, whether in terms of technology, sustainability or training?

Dominik: A very good question! There is no tool or technology. We already have a pretty good level. And materials that are sustainable - we're talking about climate protection with insulation, photovoltaics and green roofs. My fairy godmother should fulfill my wish that everyone will say again, "I can do this, I'm doing it and I'm super motivated!" If attitudes towards work were different, it would solve a lot. Any technology can be as great as it is: if nobody likes to work, nothing works.

What would you say to young people who are thinking of becoming carpenters? What qualities should they have?

Dominik: The standard things, you have to be physically fit - although it's not so bad nowadays, because we have a lot of crane work -, not afraid of heights and above all: you have to enjoy your work! Whether you're a carpenter or something else: you have to dedicate yourself to it and then take the decision and decide to go all the way. And don't say, "Let's try here, but keep my other options open."

You are the official face of DACH+HOLZ International 2026. What does this role mean to you and how did it come about?

Dominik: It means a lot to me: the chance to showcase my craft and inspire others with it. And yes, through this role to see a lot of new things first and maybe get to know them faster. Again, a challenge that makes me wiser. How did I get here. I saw on Instagram the announcement to apply for the position of DACH+HOLZ fair ambassador. My colleagues and bosses encouraged me to participate. I applied, sent in my photos and was indeed selected. Pretty unspectacular, but very cool!

What do you want to convey to the industry as a fair ambassador? Are there special themes that are particularly close to your heart?

Dominik: I consider the subject of careers important. I'm responsible for training in our company and I often attend career fairs. Exhibitors there, from industrial companies to the police, aggressively promote careers. When young people come to me, they say, "Ah yes, carpenter...", as if you couldn't make a career in the trades. But the opportunities for advancement with us are enormous: they go up to the roof, at least! But seriously: you can upgrade yourself through courses from journeyman to specialist for specific activities or fields. Or advance to team leader if you want to take on more responsibility. And for those who really want it, get a master's degree and take a management position in the company. From there, all doors are open to you - you can go to technical school or, if you really have to, go to university. When I say that, I see astonished faces. Most people don't know this, not the career counselors, not the young people themselves and not their parents.

How do you imagine the future of carpentry?

Dominik: I would like to see wages and salaries in crafts and skilled trades brought in line with those in industry. For crafts to be more appreciated again and become more attractive. That more young people come into our craft who are motivated and want to work. Who want to stay and make a career here. Because craftsmanship will remain craftsmanship, despite all the digitalization. With it you can do many things more easily and optimize processes. But in the end, it's the people who put their hands in and get the job done that count!

What are your expectations from your visit to DACH+HOLZ International 2026 in Cologne?

Dominik: They are always interesting days. I meet many people and people can get to know me as an ambassador. I want to know, of course, what new products, tools and techniques there are and try them out. It's important for me to have an overview of the market. And to give feedback to one manufacturer or another, because I know a lot of products and work with them. To tell them as an outside practitioner: "Guys, your product is really great. I can recommend it."

How do you see DACH+HOLZ as a platform for the exchange of experience between craftspeople? What role does networking play for you personally?

Dominik: It is extremely important. I see it in our company. My boss, who's my age, picks up the phone and calls a colleague when he needs help or can't solve a problem. The previous generation wouldn't give a slice of bread to the competition. Whereas in our region the situation is now like this: there are not as many firms and not as big as us. But the orders are still here. It is increasingly about who can help the other. Each of us faces the same challenges. And these can be better managed together, through networking, making contacts and sharing experiences. This works very well, of course, and especially at the fair.

What do you want to pass on to the young people at the fair who are just starting their career as carpenters?

Dominik: The most important thing is to encourage them in their career choice and motivate them to never stand still, to accept challenges and to learn continuously. When you constantly develop and become unique, then it becomes super cool.

DACH+HOLZ International will take place from February 24-27, 2026 at the Cologne Exhibition Center. More information on www.dach-holz.com