Jobs in Handicraft

The skilled trades are an extensive occupational field that specializes in the processing of different materials and raw materials as well as the production, assembly and maintenance of complex systems. The areas of application are extensive. There are traditional trades that work with natural materials, for example wood processing (carpenters, joiners) or working with natural stone (stonemasons). In addition, there are modern trades that work with industrially grown products, such as the HVAC sector (short for "sanitary, heating and air conditioning"), the electrical and mechatronics sector and machine-related trades, such as automotive mechatronics or machine and plant mechanics.

It quickly becomes clear that the skilled trades sector has a wide range and versatility. What all skilled trades have in common is that they are generally services that involve the processing of materials and their repair.

Craftsmanship is often described as the counterpart to industrial production. In part, this comparison is also accurate, as in industrial production, work that was originally carried out manually by craftsmen is carried out automatically by machines. However, reality shows that industrial production is rarely fully automated. In most cases, skilled craftsmen accompany the automated production processes and carry out manual processing of the products at relevant points. Ultimately, no production process is possible without a human

The most common skilled trades in Germany are

• Plant mechanic for sanitary, heating and air-conditioning technology
• Baker
• wood turner
• Electronics technician
• Electronics technician for machines and drive technology
• Butcher
• Window maker
• Gardener; garden & landscape gardener
• Building cleaners:
• Goldsmith and silversmith
• Painter
• Bodywork and vehicle construction mechanic
• Motor vehicle mechatronics technician
• Mechatronics technician
• Metalworker
• Carpenter (joiner)
• Machining mechanic

Almost all skilled trades are apprenticeships. In Germany, apprenticeships in the skilled trades are based on the dual system. They are trained in a practical company and at the same time receive theoretical and general education at a vocational school. After passing the final examination, you can call yourself a journeyman or journeywoman and work in white-collar roles in your occupational field.

For managerial positions in larger companies or to set up your own business, you will need to pass a master craftsman's examination. The master craftsman role also enables you to work as a trainer in the skilled trades and train journeymen and women. In addition to the master craftsman title, there are additional further training opportunities, but these are very specific. For example, self-employed master craftspeople can train to become a business economist, which provides the necessary know-how to successfully manage a company.

Apart from the training path, however, there are also jobs in the skilled trades that can be performed without vocational training after a short familiarization phase and with manual skills and careful working methods alone.