Courage for craftsmanship: This is how we attract the talent of tomorrow!

Courage for craftsmanship: This is how we attract the talent of tomorrow!

Crafts – an area that is actively looking for young talent. Personal contact is crucial, says Alexander Berke, whose commitment to crafts in Cologne schools is remarkable. In his visits to schools such as the Nicolaischule, he emphasizes how important it is for young people to get in touch directly with the companies. This works, reports Meeting point Brandenburg, beyond traditional online applications. Smaller, family-run businesses rely on this direct approach and value personal contact.

Berke, who once began an apprenticeship as a bricklayer himself, is convinced that courage is a crucial factor in taking the first step into the professional world. The students reacted positively to his first conversations and showed a keen interest in professions such as electronics technicians or painters and varnishers. This is where you notice that the message is getting through: It is important to introduce yourself and take the initiative.

Career opportunities in crafts

But Berke is not the only one promoting the craft. The Münster Chamber of Crafts has launched additional initiatives to offer high school graduates and students who are struggling with dropping out of their studies new perspectives. Under the motto “Canteen instead of cafeteria” they are encouraged to find out about career opportunities in the skilled trades. The collaboration with employment agencies and the North Westphalia Chamber of Industry and Commerce aims to bring together apprenticeship applicants and training companies quickly and efficiently. Especially in times when many are dissatisfied with their studies, crafts are an attractive alternative.

The career opportunities in the trades are almost endless: from journeyman's certificate to master's certificate to self-employment - the range of training and career paths is diverse. The positive perception of the craft as a successful new start after dropping out of studies is particularly important here in order to close the talent gap.

The shortage of skilled workers in the craft sector

Unfortunately, the reality is different. According to a research by Kofa There is a severe shortage of skilled workers in the craft sector. The demand for workers is continually increasing, while the number of unemployed, suitably qualified people is not sufficient to fill the vacancies. In 2020, there was a nationwide shortage of more than 54,000 skilled workers in predominantly skilled trades, which highlights the challenges facing companies.

The shortage is particularly acute in areas such as construction, production, building electrical engineering and plumbing, heating and air conditioning technology. The demand for master craftsmen and masters is also high, but many positions remain unfilled. The decline in vacancies during the Corona pandemic affected the skilled trades less severely than other sectors, but the number of training places on offer remained relatively stable.

In order to overcome the gap between providers and consumers, better career orientation and information about dual training are necessary. Here, craft businesses are required to improve their personnel requirements planning and use digital qualification offers.

Personal contact, as emphasized by Alexander Berke, could be the first step in successfully meeting the challenges in the craft sector and attracting the next generation of talented craftsmen.