Many youngsters broke new ground at the start of the new training year: they began training for occupations subject to updated training regulations. "Training in the trades is always state-of-the-art and our dual system is equivalent to qualifications via academic pathways," emphasised Holger Schwannecke, Secretary General of the German Confederation of skilled Crafts.
Germany is setting the world alight: the country makes more candles than any other European country. Trainees for the new occupation of Skilled Worker in Candle Making and Wax Modelling, which is replacing the old one of chandler, are expected not only to be creative, but to display artisanal skills on top-notch, modern machines. The occupational profile covers making and decorating candles and wax modelling.
The occupation of dressed stone mason reflects developments in that of the former concrete block and terrazzo maker in recent years. It covers the production of concrete blocks, natural dressed stone and dressed stone from man-made materials, as well as stone laying and maintenance.
With the new occupational profile of skilled worker for leather making and tannery techniques, one of the oldest trades of all has been updated. This occupation makes high demands in terms of quality and environmental protection. Companies working with this craft produce high quality leather for further processing.
Occupations for manifacturing musical instruments are also being modernised, one step at a time. In 2015, the occupation of violin and bow maker has been adapted to meet new standards and the examination has been updated.
The occupational profile of orthopaedic shoemaker has also undergone change: there is more emphasis on hygiene, analysis of movement and sport, as well as handling semi-finished items. These changes have been implemented via reorganisation of training and examinations.