What are skilled crafts and trades?

Skilled crafts and trades are not only the heart and soul of the small and medium-sized businesses, but also Germany's economic engine. Thanks to the proximity to their customers, they create high-quality products and bespoke solutions for problems using their wide range of services and goods. The skilled crafts and trades are directed towards private individuals as well as the manufacturing industry, commerce and the state sector. Moreover, the skilled crafts and trades are an extremely versatile sector and include the following areas:

• Construction and development
• Metal and electronics
• Wood and plastics
• Industrial cleaning
• Artisanal food production
• Healthcare and personal hygiene
• Clothing, textile and leather
• Graphic design

Start your career in a skilled craft or trade in Germany

Alongside a long tradition and dual vocational training  for a period of 2 – 3.5 years, the skilled crafts and trades also encompass a high degree of innovation. This means that they are future-proof and offer attractive promotion prospects , such as further training and professional self-employment  as a master craftsperson. Qualified professionals are needed in the following areas:

• Tinsmith:  As a tinsmith, you will carry out a variety of preparatory tasks relating to the construction of metal or plastic building units, which you will then install in properties, for example on roofs or facades. This can be in newly constructed or renovated buildings, for example in order to fulfil new environmental constraints in the fields of energy utilisation systems, water drainage and thermal insulation.
   
• Plumber for sanitary, heating and air-conditioning technology:  In this field, you will install water and air supply systems (toilet assemblies) in buildings, as well as heating systems, such as solar power units, heat pumps and wood pellet heating systems. Aside from the manual and mechanical processing of pipes, sheet metal and sections, you will be responsible for regularly inspecting the functionality of the various systems after installation. You will also install smart home systems and device-specific software.
   
• Structural engineering:
  • Concrete and steel construction worker:  Alongside the production of concrete or reinforced concrete, you will fabricate the formwork before continuing to process the individual elements on building sites, for example to construct staircases, walls, bridges and dams.
  • In furnace and chimney construction , you will be high up in the air, working next to chimneys up to 300 m tall. Aside from producing fireproof structures, you will also install a variety of insulation materials, for example for protection against the cold or as thermal insulation. Your field of work also includes the installation of lightning protection systems.
  • As a mason , you will mainly be working outside on building sites, both independently and in a team of colleagues, site managers and architects. Your field of work includes masonry itself, as well as planning and constructing the necessary components.
     
• As a floorer , you will be an integral part of construction projects: customer consultations and preparation of the subsoil, laying of the floor itself and, if required, further surface finishing. You can obtain a master craftsperson qualification in the field of parquetry.
   
• Electrical engineers with a specialisation in energy technology:  In this profession, you will be involved from the moment of design/planning and production/installation of the electronic systems up until the final handover and after-sales support. Vacant positions are mainly found in automation engineering, electric utility, mechanical engineering and plant construction as well as vehicle construction.
   
• Industrial cleaning:  In this essential profession, you will work in office buildings or public buildings, such as administrative buildings, hospitals and swimming pools, as well as in public transport and parks. Acting in a strategic manner is required to be able to select the appropriate tools and dosage of cleaning agents. 

The title of master craftsperson or tradesperson

If you have learnt a profession in the craft industry, you can continue your education in Germany to become a master of the craft. The master craftsperson or master tradesperson title is an officially recognised advanced training qualification in Germany and is a mark of quality for managers. Especially in crafts and trades subject to authorisation, a master’s title is often required for setting up a business. In the Trades and Crafts Code  you can find out which professions are subject to authorisation.

The country’s trainers

The skilled crafts and trades do not only contribute to society’s prosperity, but also to the training of qualified professionals. Over 27% of apprentices in Germany are employed in the skilled crafts and trades. However, many apprenticeship positions remain vacant. That is why new talent is urgently required. Find out more about internships, vocational training positions and vacant trainee positions in the crafts and trades industry !