Tommy Dienemann: From locksmith to car master with big plans!

Tommy Dienemann: From locksmith to car master with big plans!

A new company will soon be opening its doors in the quiet idyll of a small town. Tommy Dienemann, a 37-year-old trained agricultural and construction machinery mechanic, is facing an exciting new beginning: from November 1, 2025, he will be offering his mobile vehicle service. After years of experience as a locksmith at the highway maintenance department and in a car workshop, he now has the dream of setting up his own workshop. Reported about it Northern Courier.

The path there wasn't an easy one. Thanks to funding from the state, Tommy is currently completing his master's training through the Potsdam Chamber of Crafts and has already successfully completed the first two parts of the training, including the trainer's certificate. “You just have to have the courage,” says Dienemann and describes his motivation, which he especially wants to show for his children. It is important to him that his four children, including a newborn who will be born in February 2026, can grow up in a carefree rural environment.

Challenges in the automotive industry

Parallel to Tommy's success story, the shortage of skilled workers in the automotive industry casts a shadow over the industry. Loud CarPr Rural regions and specialized companies are particularly affected by this shortage. The challenges are manifold: Increasing numbers of retirees, insufficient numbers of applicants and the widespread image problem in the skilled trades contribute to the fact that service quality and sales development are at risk. Modern equipment and the willingness to continue training in e-mobility and diagnostic systems are more important than ever.

One initiative that aims to counteract this is the skilled worker strategy of the Central Association of the German Motor Vehicle Industry (ZDK). The current annual gap of 10,000 skilled workers should be closed by 2026. Motor vehicle operation explains that a targeted approach to women, career changers and young people with a migration background is necessary. Around 30,000 new trainees are currently being hired in the automotive profession every year, but that is not enough to meet demand.

A look into the future

Despite the challenges, Tommy is optimistic about the future. After receiving his master's certificate, he plans to open a stationary workshop in his home or surrounding area. In addition to the mobile service, he will also offer vehicle rentals, such as a Trabi for weddings or events - a real eye-catcher! This innovative approach could help it stand out from the competition and offer young people an attractive perspective in the trades.

With his many years of experience and his vision to create flexibility for his family, Tommy shows that it is possible to enter the automotive industry while keeping the needs of the next generation in mind. In times when the skilled trades are increasingly struggling for qualified specialists, his example could serve as inspiration for many who would also like to take the plunge into entrepreneurship.