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41 new journeymen for Mötzow: Crafts have a future despite a shortage of skilled workers!
On September 27th, 2025, 41 young craftsmen in Mötzow received their journeyman's certificates. The event highlighted the importance of crafts and skilled workers in Potsdam-Mittelmark.
41 new journeymen for Mötzow: Crafts have a future despite a shortage of skilled workers!
Last Friday evening it was that time again: At the Vielfruchthof in Mötzow, 41 newly qualified journeymen in the professions of hairdresser, carpenter, finishing specialist and carpenter were able to receive their journeyman's certificates. Susan Stephan, the managing director of the district crafts association, warmly welcomed the graduates and celebrated this important step into their professional future together with those present.
The handover was a festive affair, which was enriched by greetings from Natalie Schreiber, the economic development officer of the Potsdam Mittelmark district, and Ralph Bührig, the general manager of the Potsdam Chamber of Crafts. Both speakers emphasized the immense importance of crafts for the region and called for further support and development, especially for the young generation. Schreiber particularly emphasized the role of training companies, vocational schools and family support.
Shortage of skilled workers and training
Given the challenges the craft will face in the coming years, such celebrations are even more important. Because as spiegel.de reports, there is an acute shortage of skilled workers in these professions. The number of vacancies in skilled trades reached a record high of around 236,818 in 2022. Around 128,891 open positions could not be filled, which poses challenges not only for companies but also for the entire economy.
One reason for these developments is the insufficient number of new trainees. KOFA shows that the number of completed training contracts is declining overall. However, there are bright spots: more training places are being offered in the construction trades where there are shortages, and companies are increasingly trying to attract young people to a career in the trades.
The best honored
A special highlight of the event was the award for the best of the year: Leonie Koch and Clara Juliane Schönfeld were honored as the best hairdressers, while Kenneth Günther was able to convince in the carpenter category. The awards were presented by representatives of IKK Potsdam, the Signal-Iduna Group and the INTER Insurance Group.
The handover was given an additional festive atmosphere with a musical supporting program by Sebastian Peschke and Christoph Küpper. This ceremony is not only a reason for joy for the graduates, but also a source of hope in times when the craft urgently needs to be strengthened.