Six girls enter a male training domain

Six girls have the same occupational goal – to qualify as a plant mechanic for sanitary, heating and air conditioning systems. Two have already celebrated successful completion of the journeyman examination.

The remaining four are putting their knowledge to the test in the interim examination following two years of training. All are driven by the same motivation to enter an occupation which is still a typically male domain. They want a technical occupation with good future prospects rather than office work. The fact that most plant mechanics for sanitary, heating and air conditioning systems are men has acted a spur to them to prove what women can do.

Carmen Mertes from Bad Hönningen and Lea Thran from Großmaischeid have already completed their journeyman qualification. Lea will go on to further training because she wants to work in the wholesale business for sanitary, heating and air conditioning systems. Carmen is confident of finding a new job. "As they say, there are no unemployed plant mechanics. Skilled workers are in demand."

20-year-old Franziska Bohl from Herdorf has finished the first part of her training. She plans to take over her parents' company one day. Before this, she is considering studying for a degree in business administration in order to gain managerial knowledge. "I am still young and do not yet know where my journey will take me. However, the craft trade sector provides a great foundation."

Like her mother, who holds a master craftsman qualification in hairdressing, Janina Reuter from Neuwied will be entering the craft trades sector. She will, however, be heading in a different direction. Janina discovered the sanitary, heating and air conditioning branch whilst on work experience from school. Natalie Hof from Betzdorf and Anna-Lea Gross from Höhn also progressed to their training occupation via a practical placement.

Dirk Lichtenthäler, Head of the Rhine-Westerwald Guild of Sanitary, Heating and Air Conditioning Technicians, wishes to put any prejudices to bed. "There is no such thing as a job for a woman just because she is a woman and a job for a man just because he is a man. All craft trade occupations can be practised by both genders."

Heiko Olk, Head of the Journeyman Examination Board, is in full agreement. "Separate areas for men and women can no longer apply in the world of work."

The six young women know that most people find it good that they are undergoing training in this particular occupation. They just need to show determination. That's all. "If your performance is right, you will be respected."