"Craftsmanship is an important building block for reconstruction"

Five years after the devastating floods, the North Rhine-Westphalia Ministry of Construction, the WHKT (Westphalian Chamber of Skilled Crafts), and the Cologne Chamber of Skilled Crafts have concluded the state initiative "Skilled Crafts in Reconstruction." In Odenthal, they reviewed their collaboration.

Reforestation of forests to preserve drinking water

Only a healthy, green forest can ensure a balanced water supply. However, persistently high temperatures and drought are currently putting forests under pressure. Since water is an essential source of life, Krombacher supports the preservation of stable forests with a large-scale reforestation program.

Saxony intends to send a signal for the equality of vocational and academic education with this increase. (Photo: © gwolters/123RF.com)

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Master craftsman bonus in Saxony increases to 3.000 euros

Craft policy

July 2026

The Saxon cabinet has decided to increase the master craftsman bonus to 3.000 euros. It applies retroactively from January 1st of this year to all master craftsmen who successfully complete their examination this year.

The Saxon cabinet has approved an increase in the master craftsman bonus to €3.000. The adjustment will take effect retroactively to January 1, 2026, and applies to all master craftsmen and women who pass their final examination this year. Saxony intends this measure to demonstrate the equivalence of vocational and academic education.

The master craftsman bonus is part of the measures Saxony is taking to strengthen skilled trades and master craftsman professions in general. Last week, the Saxon State Parliament debated and passed the motion for an "Action Plan for a Strong Saxon Skilled Trades Sector." The coalition parties and the Green Party faction approved the motion, thus paving the way for its implementation.

"This strengthens vocational training and secures skilled workers for the Saxon economy in a very concrete way. This will sustainably benefit Saxony's predominantly medium-sized businesses. Master craftspeople start or take over companies, create jobs, and secure the training of tomorrow. This is indispensable for our economic location," says Minister of Economic Affairs Dirk Panter (SPD).

Source: Saxon Ministry of Economic Affairs

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Text: Lars Otten / handwerksblatt.de

The state parliament in Saxony adopts an action plan for skilled trades.

The action plan for skilled trades comprises 16 measures in the areas of career guidance, training, master craftsman qualification, and reducing bureaucracy. The Saxon Chamber of Skilled Crafts hopes for a swift implementation of the package.

June 2026

Operations management

Baden-Württemberg is raising the profile of skilled trades

At the start of the new state government: Baden-Württemberg is now the only German state to have enshrined skilled trades in the title of a ministry. "This is a compass for the next legislative period," according to the Baden-Württemberg Skilled Trades Association.

May 2026

Craft policy

Training consensus: Securing skilled workers is the priority

Representatives of the North Rhine-Westphalia training consensus have called for a commitment to securing skilled workers through vocational training. They emphasize that it remains a crucial pillar for economic success, social cohesion, and democratic stability.

April 2026

Craft policy

Defense. Resilience. Craftsmanship.

To discuss the requirements and opportunities for craft businesses arising from the changing security policy situation, the NRW craft sector invited representatives from politics, procurement and practice to a conference.

June 2026