Photo: © martinak/123RF.com Trier Chamber of Crafts | July 2026 Overview of scholarships for trainees Here, the Trier Chamber of Skilled Crafts provides a concise overview of scholarships and other funding opportunities for trainees.
Photo: © HwK Koblenz Koblenz Chamber of Crafts | July 2026 The theatre group is delighted with the new seating. In front of the "Altes Wasserwerk" cultural stage, the chairwoman of the TheaterKultur Kaisersesch association, Maria Oster, recently received two completely refurbished beer tent sets.
Photo: © Michael Jordan Koblenz Chamber of Crafts | July 2026 A scholarship to reach your career goal Apply by August 10th and write your own success story with a further education scholarship like goldsmith and silversmith Sophie Ropertz.
Photo: © Michael Jordan Koblenz Chamber of Crafts | July 2026 "Right to repair": a strong signal and valuable message for the trades. The law promoting the repair of goods passed the Bundesrat (Federal Council) on July 10, 2026. The law transposes the EU directive into national law and is scheduled to come into force on July 31 for most purchase contracts concluded from the end of July 2026 onwards. Kurt Krautscheid, President of the Koblenz Chamber of Skilled Crafts, comments on the new "right to repair".
Photo: © scyther5/123RF.com Craft policy | July 2026 Free online seminars on cybersecurity The seven chambers of crafts in North Rhine-Westphalia and the WHKT are organizing the two-part online event "Cybersecurity in crafts - Cybercrime and AI: Attack and defense" on November 18th and 25th.
Photo: © Karl-Heinz Spremberg/123RF.com Operations management | July 2026 No accommodation for construction workers in the residential building Operating accommodation for construction workers in a residential building is not permitted without a permit. This was decided by the Neustadt/Weinstraße Administrative Court.
Photo: © auremar/123RF.com Operations management | July 2026 The Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG) for advanced training is being expanded. The German government plans to expand the "Aufstiegs-BAföG" (a government-funded student loan program for advanced vocational training). The Central Association of German Crafts sees room for improvement, especially regarding specializations and bureaucracy.
Photo: © F. ENGEL K/S Operations management | July 2026 Take-back concept for used workwear Engel is introducing a take-back system for used work and business clothing in Germany. The system includes collection, sorting, recycling, and further processing of used textiles.
Photo: © scyther5/123RF.com Craft policy | July 2026 Free online seminars on cybersecurity The seven chambers of crafts in North Rhine-Westphalia and the WHKT are organizing the two-part online event "Cybersecurity in crafts - Cybercrime and AI: Attack and defense" on November 18th and 25th.
Photo: © auremar/123RF.com Operations management | July 2026 The Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG) for advanced training is being expanded. The German government plans to expand the "Aufstiegs-BAföG" (a government-funded student loan program for advanced vocational training). The Central Association of German Crafts sees room for improvement, especially regarding specializations and bureaucracy.
Photo: © Jürgen Fälchle/123RF.com Craft policy | July 2026 Do not raise the CO₂ price further The German Association of Motor Trades and Repairs (ZDK) is calling on the federal government to keep fuel prices stable. To this end, it should refrain from increasing the CO₂ price in order to relieve the burden on consumers.
Photo: © Andrea de Martin/123RF.com Craft policy | July 2026 Federal Cabinet approves second relief package The German government has launched further measures to reduce bureaucracy. The second relief package includes projects with a total savings volume of approximately 600 million euros.
Photo: © Peugeot Pkw | July 2026 Stylish fastback – the Peugeot 408 The new Peugeot 408 combines elegant design with modern powertrains and focuses on efficiency, connectivity and comfort.
Photo: © Geely Pkw | July 2026 How Geely plans to conquer the German market The name Geely rarely receives much attention, but its brands certainly do. The Chinese company has long since established itself in the European automotive world with brands like Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus. Now, Geely is competing under its own banner for the first time.
Photo: © Subaru electric drives | July 2026 Uncharted: Subaru's first all-electric SUV With the Uncharted, Subaru presents its first all-electric compact SUV, offering various drive options and long ranges.
Photo: © KD Busch/SWAV Panorama | July 2026 Opticians: Graduation ceremony with the Prime Minister Sixty opticians from Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland received their journeyman's certificates. Minister-President Gordon Schnieder offered his personal congratulations.
Photo: © Universum Verlag/Urbanfilm, Niehoff Society | July 2026 Vocational school classes awarded for creative ideas against violence The trainee prevention program "Youth Wants to Live Safely" has recognized vocational school students for their creative ideas against violence. This year's motto was "Violence-free? I'm in!".
Photo: © Krombacher Brewery Panorama | July 2026 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.
Photo: © Mascot Workwear: How to dress correctly | July 2026 Shop workwear smartly It's fast and saves resources and money: Mascot has been relying on a digital procurement solution with the Mascot Smartstore for many years.
Photo: © Hardy Mann, BESH/Messe Stuttgart Trade fairs for the craft industry | July 2026 Süffa with three focus topics at the pulse of the meat industry Süffa will present new approaches to rationalization, sales optimization and smart solutions in the butcher's trade from November 7th to 9th, 2026 at the Stuttgart trade fair grounds.
Photo: © flynt/123RF.com Interesting competitions for craftsmen | July 2026 Corporate award from "Vocational Training Without Borders" Craft businesses and companies that offer their trainees and young professionals the opportunity to spend time abroad can apply for the "Vocational Training Without Borders" company award.
Photo: © seventyfour74/123RF.com FounderNavi – for founders and young companies | July 2026 Growing as a team – healthy and successful New talent invigorates the daily work routine and opens up opportunities – but at the same time, the coordination effort increases. Because the larger the team becomes, the more complex the internal processes become.
Photo: © _Federal Guild Association of the Automotive Trade Craft policy | July 2026 Detlef Peter Grün remains Federal Guild Master of the BIV-Kfz Board elections at the Federal Guild Association of the Automotive Trade: Detlef Peter Grün and Jeffrey Kilian were confirmed in their positions. Thomas Schacht succeeds Michael Kraft.
Photo: © danymages/123RF.com Craft policy | July 2026 Green light for building modernization and infrastructure future law Following the Bundestag, the Bundesrat has also approved the Building Modernization Act and the Infrastructure Future Act. The construction industry welcomes this, but would like to see a holistic approach for the building sector.
Photo: © waelkhalil/123RF.com Craft policy | July 2026 Health insurance: Bundestag and Bundesrat vote for reform The Bundestag and Bundesrat have passed the law stabilizing contribution rates for statutory health insurance. The skilled trades sector sees significant wasted potential for relief and is calling for further reforms.
Photo: © Ratchanida Thippayos/123RF.com Craft policy | July 2026 Sustainability reporting: EU Commission relieves companies of responsibility The European Commission has presented two delegated acts on sustainability reporting. It aims to reduce reporting costs for companies by more than 30 percent.
Photo: © mariok/123RF.com Craft policy | July 2026 5.800 medium-sized businesses received funding The state government of North Rhine-Westphalia and the NRW.Bank have so far supported 5.800 medium-sized companies with the "NRW.Bank.Invest Zukunft" program. Over one billion euros have been disbursed in this process.
Photo: © General Customs Directorate / Zoll.de Craft policy | July 2026 Fight against undeclared work in the construction industry In the fight against undeclared work, North Rhine-Westphalia focused on the construction industry during this year's action days. Around 100 construction sites, more than 380 employers, and over 1.000 employees were inspected.
Photo: © Igor Daniel/123RF.com Craft policy | July 2026 Increasing debt: Trades criticize budget decisions The German Federal Cabinet has approved the draft federal budget for next year and the financial plan up to 2030. The German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH) argues that ever-increasing debt, unclear promises of savings, and the hope for future tax revenue increases are not a basis for sound fiscal policy.
Photo: © Dmytro/123RF.com Operations management | July 2026 North Rhine-Westphalia leads the way: Fair maternity protection for the self-employed "Modern maternity protection for the self-employed belongs in the law." NRW Economics Minister Mona Neubaur presents a model with a flat-rate wage replacement benefit during the maternity protection period.
Photo: © SteFan Bröker - SteFans Point Of View Craft policy | July 2026 Vice President in conversation with the Minister of Justice The North Rhine-Westphalian vice presidents representing the employees met with NRW Justice Minister Dr. Benjamin Limbach for an exchange at Raesfeld Castle.
