This original 1936 Hitler Youth Reich Vocational Competition Badge (Reichsberufswettkampf) is a scarce and historically important Third Reich award presented to successful competitors in Germany’s national vocational skills competition. Unlike the standard Hitler Youth membership badge, this example commemorates achievement in one of the regime’s largest apprenticeship and technical training programmes.
€ 180
This original 1936 Hitler Youth Reich Vocational Competition Badge (Reichsberufswettkampf) is a scarce and historically important Third Reich award presented to successful competitors in Germany’s national vocational skills competition. Unlike the standard Hitler Youth membership badge, this example commemorates achievement in one of the regime’s largest apprenticeship and technical training programmes.
The badge features the iconic red, white and black enamel Hitler Youth diamond mounted on a bronze-finished cogwheel, symbolising German industry and skilled labour. Around the outer ring appears the inscription “6. Sieger im Reichsberufswettkampf 1936”, translating to “6th Winner in the National Vocational Competition 1936.”
The Reichsberufswettkampf (RBWK) was introduced to encourage vocational excellence among young German apprentices. Organised by the German Labour Front (DAF) in cooperation with the Hitler Youth, the competition assessed practical trade skills, technical knowledge, physical fitness and ideological education.
Each year, hundreds of thousands of apprentices competed in local, regional and national rounds. Only the highest-performing participants received award badges such as this example.
Consequently, these badges are significantly scarcer than standard Hitler Youth membership insignia.
This original badge displays all the characteristics expected of an early period example.
Features include:
The combination of quality enamelling and robust construction reflects the high manufacturing standards of official Third Reich award badges produced during the mid-1930s.
Awards connected with the Reich Vocational Competition illustrate an important aspect of National Socialist Germany beyond military organisations. The programme sought to identify skilled young workers while promoting technical education and industrial efficiency.
Today, original Reichsberufswettkampf badges are collected for their historical association with the Hitler Youth, vocational training and pre-war German industry. Their limited survival makes them desirable additions to advanced collections of Third Reich insignia.
The badge remains in very good original condition, retaining strong enamel colours, clear lettering and an attractive untouched patina. The reverse still retains its original period pin assembly.
For further historical information, consult:
Collectors value this badge because it combines:
As a result, it represents an excellent opportunity to acquire an authentic and increasingly difficult-to-find award from one of the Third Reich’s most significant youth vocational programmes.
Explore related listings: Pin Badges & Stick Pins.
