A challenge for young people and businesses

Training the next generation is still hugely important in the craft trades, not least for preventing a shortage of skilled workers. During the coronavirus, many craft trade businesses were regarded as system-relevant and were therefore able to continue operating. Contacting potential trainees was made harder, however, due to the pandemic. Careers guidance in schools, training fairs and school placements were all initially cancelled.

There was also immense uncertainty among young people. The likely duration of home-schooling and the potential levels of catch-up due to missed lessons were just as hard to predict as the issue of whether it would even be possible to run the final examinations. Even in normal times, it is difficult enough to decide on a career, however for young people there was now even less opportunity to gain practical experience and to find out about everyday life in a company. For this reason some young people stuck with what they knew – in other words: let's carry on in school for the time being rather than start training.

This was also a challenge for the chambers and the professional associations. With everything having looked less than rosy to begin with in the training market during the first year of the pandemic, it has been possible to make up for lost ground in terms of training numbers. Once again, in a final spurt before the start of the 2021 training year, significantly more concluded training contracts were recorded than in the previous year.

The training guidance service from the Chamber of Crafts and Trades doubled their efforts in order to bring together young people and companies despite the difficult situation. For example, a training campaign involving lots of offers ranging from telephone consultations for various target groups through to virtual workshops has been running since the spring. Also, since the end of May, a trainee hotline has been open which provides all young people interested with a comprehensive advice service on all questions relating to training.

On the Chamber of Crafts and Trades (HWK) homepage, companies are using short video clips to advertise their training positions and offer an insight into their craft trade. The popular trainee speed dating event will be organised for the second time on the "craft trades day" in a drive-in format. Craft trade businesses will be showcasing themselves and their training offer for 2022 in the area outside the Chamber of Crafts and Trades and will be available on their advice stand to conduct brief interviews. Placement positions, dual/ three-way university places and last-minute training positions are also being offered for this year.