Craft policy

"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.

Photo: © nordroden/123RF.com

Craft policy | June 2026

Circular economy: Federal Cabinet adopts action program

The German government plans to implement the National Circular Economy Strategy with an action program. This is intended to conserve resources and protect the environment. The construction industry welcomes this, but also sees a gap in the program.

Photo: © tadamichi/123RF.com

Craft policy | June 2026

The OECD sees a need for reform in Germany

The OECD recommends that the German government improve the framework conditions for businesses in order to revive the economy. The skilled trades sector is calling for "comprehensive structural reforms" to strengthen competitiveness.

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Craft policy | June 2026

New agreement for the start of the summer vocational training program

The new agreement of the Alliance for Education and Training has been published to coincide with the start of the summer of vocational training.

Photo: © WHKT / RG

Craft policy | June 2026

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.

Photo: © IEGOR LIASHENKO/123RF.com

Craft policy | May 2026

The cosmetics industry is fighting for mandatory master craftsman certification.

The cosmetics trade is committed to modernizing and standardizing training and having it included in Annex A of the Crafts and Trades Code. At the same time, it aims to achieve greater social recognition of the profession.

Photo: © wangTom/123RF.com

Craft policy | May 2026

The German Federal Cabinet approves the reform of the Building Code.

The German government has passed an amendment to the building code. A good day for housing construction, says the ZDB (Central Association of the German Construction Industry). However, further measures are needed to make housing construction more affordable.

Craft policy | May 2026

Economic experts dampen growth expectations

In their spring forecast, the Council of Economic Experts revised its expected growth rate downwards. They cite the consequences of the war in the Middle East as the reason. The pressure for reform continues to increase, commented the skilled trades sector.

Craft policy | May 2026

Fireside chat with DGB-NRW chairman Thorben Albrecht

The employee vice presidents of the NRW Chambers of Skilled Crafts discussed the social security systems with Thorben Albrecht, chairman of the DGB NRW.

Craft policy | May 2026

Harsher penalties demanded for illegal refrigerant trade

The refrigeration and air conditioning industry is calling for stricter penalties against the illegal trade in refrigerants. Industry associations see a need for adjustments to definitions, criminal liability within the supply chain, and investigative powers.

Opticians: Graduation ceremony with the Prime Minister

Three prizes for final projects of designers (HWK)

Eight success codes for future viability

Mental health in craft businesses

ING launches new fixed-term deposit offer for medium-sized businesses

"A complete disaster": How the packaging tax is burdening bakers

Schufa shadow database: What businesses can do

Süffa with three focus topics at the pulse of the meat industry

Federal Cabinet approves second relief package

"A complete disaster": How the packaging tax is burdening bakers

"Craftsmanship is an important building block for reconstruction"

Craftsmen in Saxony oppose packaging tax

Stylish fastback – the Peugeot 408

How Geely plans to conquer the German market

Uncharted – Subaru's first all-electric SUV

Opticians: Graduation ceremony with the Prime Minister

Vocational school classes awarded for creative ideas against violence

Reforestation of forests to preserve drinking water

Corporate award from "Vocational Training Without Borders"

Growing as a team – healthy and successful

Trades welcome the right to repair: "Strong signal"

Reference: The former employee is sometimes allowed to force the boss to sign it.

Circular economy: Federal Cabinet adopts action program

The OECD sees a need for reform in Germany

New agreement for the start of the summer vocational training program

Defense. Resilience. Craftsmanship.

The cosmetics industry is fighting for mandatory master craftsman certification.

The German Federal Cabinet approves the reform of the Building Code.

Economic experts dampen growth expectations

Fireside chat with DGB-NRW chairman Thorben Albrecht

Harsher penalties demanded for illegal refrigerant trade