The tilers are conquering Brandenburg: More women in the trade!

The tilers are conquering Brandenburg: More women in the trade!

Something is happening in crafts! The rise of women in traditionally male-dominated professions is particularly noteworthy. A prime example of this is Anne-Kathrin Heidrich, who was named Germany's best tiler in 2021. Her victory in the “Professionals Do What (PLW)” competition not only had a lasting impact on her professional life, but also on the image of the craft. Handwerksblatt reports that it is working intensively to ensure that craft services come to the fore. Your gender should not be the focus in this male-dominated industry, the craft itself should shine.

Anne-Kathrin Heidrich comes from a family with a tradition in the tiling trade. Her grandfather, Hans Heidrich, founded a tiling business in the GDR in 1988. Her parents' business was the starting point for her career. After graduating from high school, Heidrich decided to continue her grandfather's path by studying civil engineering at the BTU Cottbus. She finally took over the operation at the end of 2023 and invested in modern technologies to optimize her way of working.

The path to championship

The training and studies successfully completed in 2022 made Heidrich a master tile, slab and mosaic installer. In the municipality of Rüthnick she is now planning individual bathrooms for private customers, especially in the Ostprignitz-Ruppin and Oberhavel regions. Her media presence has helped her to acquire numerous orders. In its efforts to make crafts more attractive for young people, it relies on innovative approaches.

Another notable example of women in the trades is Marion Zuckmantel, who has been a successful master tiler for over 20 years. She also has the affectionate nickname “Tile Fairy”. Zuckmantel has made a name for himself that goes beyond the construction site and has actively resisted role stereotypes. Deutsche Handwerks Zeitung highlights her impressive career, which is also characterized by her creative skills in dealing with colors and mosaics.

In front of her home there are impressive mosaics that reflect her love of the art of tiling. Her motto “I can wash away dirt, but laziness cannot” highlights her work ethic and determination. Like many women in the trades, Marion Zuckmantel struggles with prejudice, but she observes that more and more women in this industry are gaining their master's degree. This shows a positive change in the acceptance of women on construction sites.

The future of women in crafts

The promotion of women in crafts is an important social issue. As part of the nationwide day of action “Succession is female!” Federal Minister for Women Lisa Paus has called on women to support female craftsmen and company successors. Data from the BMFSFJ show that women are less likely to start companies than men, both when starting up new businesses and when following business successions.

There is a high demand for business succession in the craft and medium-sized businesses, and the “Woman Craft Succession” project is being initiated to provide structure and support here. The goal is clear: Innovative solutions from chambers of crafts that enable more female successors in the craft sector. The importance of role models like those of Anne-Kathrin Heidrich and Marion Zuckmantel is undisputed for the next generation.

The stories of these two women impressively show that craftsmanship is not just a place of traditional production, but also a space for creativity and innovation - regardless of gender. The future of craftsmanship seems to be in brilliant hands that are full of ideas and drive!