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.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs in Baden-Württemberg has officially held the title since May 13, 2026. "Ministry of Economic Affairs, Trade and Tourism"In the previous legislative period, the official name was "Ministry for Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism". The minister is... Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut.

The official renaming took place with the inauguration of the new state government. The rationale given was to make the political and social significance of skilled trades as a central pillar of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) more visible. No other German state currently has such a system. While the state ministries of economic affairs are also responsible for skilled trades and some even have dedicated departments for them (such as in North Rhine-Westphalia), this is not explicitly reflected in their names. 

Aside from the name change, the skilled trades sector in the state is otherwise satisfied with the start of the new Green-Black state government. With its coalition agreement, it sends a "strong signal for economic prudence, modernization, and greater confidence in businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises," they said. Crafts BW (Baden-Württemberg Crafts Day).  

The demands of the trades were taken seriously.

"The coalition agreement shows in many places that the concerns of the skilled trades and small and medium-sized enterprises were taken seriously," he explains. Rainer Reichhold, President of the Baden-Württemberg Crafts AssociationMany suggestions from the List of demands "26 for 26" The challenges of the skilled trades have been addressed – from doubling the master craftsman bonus to reducing bureaucracy and strengthening vocational training.

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For the skilled trades in Baden-Württemberg, this is an important sign of a new beginning and reliability. The agreement sets important priorities. "The anchoring of the term 'skilled trades' in the title of the Ministry of Economic Affairs is hopefully more than just a new nameplate, but a compass for the next legislative period," emphasizes the association president.

Handwerk BW particularly welcomes the clear statements regarding the reduction of reporting requirements, the acceleration of approval processes, and the digitalization of public administration. The commitment to forego additional "gold-plating" in the implementation of federal and EU regulations is also good news for businesses in the state.

"Many of the formulations and objectives address key demands that the skilled trades have clearly articulated in recent months," said Reichhold. The fact that the coalition agreement explicitly includes the proposals put forward by the skilled trades... Modernisation for vocational training institutions Mentioning this is further proof of the appreciation for the daily work done in the skilled trades to secure skilled workers.

The association also positively assesses the clear focus on medium-sized businesses of the contract. The continuation of the program. "Horizon Craftsmanship" as well as the announced doubling of the master craftsman bonus to 3.000 euros, are concrete and practical measures to secure skilled workers and ensure the future viability of the business location.

The planned Expansion of the follow-up programs The trades sector is optimistic. "The agreement conveys in many places the will to solve problems pragmatically and to put economic dynamism back in the spotlight," emphasizes Reichhold. "Now it's a matter of implementing the announced measures quickly and practically. The start seems to have been successful."

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