women in crafts

Photo: © Adrian Brockwell/123RF.com

Chamber of Crafts and Trades of Saarland | April 2026

The leader as communicator and motivator

This training program equips participants with key leadership skills to confidently meet the demands of a managerial role within a company. The focus is on communication, employee motivation, and the professional handling of conflicts and challenging situations in everyday work.

Photo: © liewei12/123RF.com

Chamber of Crafts and Trades of Saarland | April 2026

Network, exchange ideas, get inspired

"Female Founders on the Go" offers a special opportunity to network and gain practical insights into different paths to self-employment.

Photo: © joaquincorbalan/123RF.com

Chamber of Crafts and Trades of Saarland | April 2026

Kick-off for the Master-Founder Award

In 2026, the Peter and Luise Hager Foundation will once again honor outstanding founders in the German electrical trade.

Photo: © Vladimir Sladek/123RF.com

Chamber of Crafts and Trades of Saarland | April 2026

Changes in tachograph law

From July 2026, a new regulation will apply in the EU for vehicles with a permissible total weight of 2,5 tons or more. The Chamber of Skilled Crafts and Trades (HWK) provides information on this.

Photo: © d8nn/123RF.com

Operations management | April 2026

Qonto Starter: Business account for solo self-employed individuals

Qonto is introducing a free business account as an entry-level model for solo self-employed individuals who expect few transactions and operate their business without cash.

Photo: © kzenon/123RF.com

Operations management | April 2026

Funeral services cannot be divided.

The Federal Fiscal Court (BFH) has ruled: Cold storage rooms for corpses and mourning rooms are not tax-free rentals; the services of a funeral director cannot be divided.

Photo: © kuzma/123RF.com

Operations management | April 2026

Recent ruling strengthens the rights of subcontractors

If the client does not raise any objections regarding defects, the main contractor may not do so against their subcontractor either. If the client is satisfied, the subcontractor is also not liable, according to the Berlin Higher Regional Court.

Photo: © princeph/123RF.com

Operations management | April 2026

Sick on vacation: Rights and obligations at a glance

Are vacation days forfeited if employees become ill? And what are the legal implications if someone travels despite being sick? We provide an overview.

Photo: © ChrisWillemsen/123RF.com

Craft policy | April 2026

Special funds: Too little money is reaching the municipalities

A study by the Ifo Institute indicates that only about twelve percent of the funds from the special fund for infrastructure and climate protection reach the municipal level. The ZDB (Central Association of the German Construction Industry) sharply criticizes this distribution.

Photo: © kesu87 /123RF.com

Craft policy | April 2026

ZDK renews criticism of energy tax reduction

In the Bundestag, members of parliament debated the federal government's announced temporary reduction in energy taxes for diesel and gasoline in the first reading. The automotive industry reiterated its criticism and demanded a long-term plan.

Photo: © BV Farbe / F. Wachendörfer

Craft policy | April 2026

German Paint and Color Association: Dr. Philipp Frank is the new CEO.

Dr. Philipp Frank will become the new Managing Director of the German Association for Painting, Design and Building Protection (Bundesverband Farbe Gestaltung Bautenschutz) on May 1, 2026. He brings many years of management experience.

Photo: © 279photo/123RF.com

Craft policy | April 2026

Reform proposals for the provision of assistive devices: WvD sees both positive and negative aspects.

We provide services in Germany and have evaluated the recommendations of the Finance Commission on Health regarding the provision of assistive devices. The evaluation includes positive aspects, but also critical points.

Photo: © Lightpoet/123RF.com

Operations management | April 2026

Federal government subsidizes charging stations at apartment buildings: also for SMEs

The federal government is providing €500 million in funding for the installation of charging stations at apartment buildings. Applications from owners, SMEs, and homeowners' associations can be submitted digitally starting immediately (April 15).

Photo: © Opel

Pkw | April 2026

Opel Astra: New design features for safety and comfort

Opel has redesigned its Astra. With its new lighting architecture, Opel is setting a new standard for even greater safety. A look at the features of the new model.

Photo: © Carglass®

Mobility | April 2026

High-tech behind glass

The company Carglass® specializes in the repair or replacement of damaged car windows. Matthias Wittenberg, Sales Director at Carglass Germany, explains the world behind the glass in this interview.

Photo: © Thomas Plettenberg

Society | April 2026

Congress in Munich: Miss and Mister Crafts 2026 elected

At the Future of Craftsmanship Congress in Munich, funeral director Emily Maichle and plasterer Maximilian Buerger were elected Miss and Mister Craftsmanship 2026. They will now represent the skilled trades for one year.

Photo: © WDR/Claus Langer

Panorama | April 2026

"Open doors with the mouse" on October 3rd

Companies, associations, workshops, studios, laboratories and other places are opening their doors as part of this year's action day under the motto "Little Miracles".

Photo: © Holzbau Deutschland/Rolando Laube

Society | April 2026

Carpenter Florian Dorer is taking part in the WorldSkills 2026

From September 22nd to 27th, 2026, around 1.400 young professionals will compete against each other at the WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, China. Carpenter Florian Dorer from Baden-Württemberg will be one of them.

Photo: © ismagilov/123RF.com

Interesting competitions for craftsmen | April 2026

"Pioneering Spirit" business start-up competition in Rhineland-Palatinate

Founders and successors from Rhineland-Palatinate can apply for the ISB's "Pioneering Spirit" competition until June 30, 2026.

Photo: © pitinan/123RF.com

Digital Crafts | April 2026

AI-powered website builder for craft businesses

Industry 4.0: AI-powered website builders now promise fast and cost-effective solutions. Complete websites are supposed to be created in just a few minutes. Are the results good, and what should you pay attention to?

Photo: © paulrossaint.com

Workwear: How to dress correctly | April 2026

Elten is releasing a particularly lightweight safety shoe

With the new Tavixx from the "Wellmaxx Feel" series, Elten focuses on maximum wearing comfort with full protection – ideal for long working days on the move.

Photo: © Igor Dutina/123RF.com

Tax bonus for tradesmen's invoices: What you should know | April 2026

Incorrect invoice: The customer can refuse payment.

A client of an installer wanted to deduct his new heating system from his taxes. Because the installer's invoice contained errors, he refused to pay the labor costs. The Higher Regional Court of Hamm ruled that he was justified in doing so.

MenuClose

Photo: © Klaus Herzmann

Photo: © Klaus Herzmann

women in crafts Theme specials

Women find ideal career opportunities, family-friendly businesses and careers with a future in the skilled trades: as entrepreneurs, master craftsmen, working entrepreneurs, journeymen or apprentices.

Photo: © Teamfoto Marquardt

women in crafts - Theme specials | April 2026

With attitude and courage to the top

After graduating from high school in the early 1990s, Juana Bleker applied for an apprenticeship in the sanitary, heating and air conditioning wholesale trade. "I was the first girl in the branch," she recalls.

Photo: © r4yhan/123RF.com

women in crafts - Theme specials | April 2026

Federal networking meeting for women in crafts

At the nationwide networking meeting at the Campus Handwerk in Bielefeld, female craftspeople from all over Germany will meet on May 7th.

Photo: © Leon Sinowenka, Solingen

women in crafts - Theme specials | March 2026

Restoring historical furniture to the highest level of craftsmanship

Master Professional: Silke Peukert is the first interior decorator to achieve the highest qualification in the skilled trades in the field of historic preservation. The Art Nouveau chair she restored for her final project told many fascinating stories.

Photo: © Christiane Schleifenbaum

women in crafts - Theme specials | March 2026

Maternity protection demanded for self-employed female craftspeople

The German government announced in its coalition agreement that maternity protection would be analogous to the regulations for employees. However, this has not yet been implemented.

Photo: © private

women in crafts - Theme specials | February 2026

Succession in the skilled trades: Leandra Rau has demonstrated strength in the crisis

When her father suddenly fell into a coma, Leandra Rau, in her mid-twenties, took over the management of the family business – much earlier than planned. Today, three years later, her father is well again and gives her free rein in all decisions.

Photo: © seventyfour74/123RF.com

women in crafts - Theme specials | January 2026

Baden-Württemberg is creating contact points for women in the skilled trades.

All chambers of skilled crafts in Baden-Württemberg now have designated contact persons for the topic of "Women in Skilled Crafts" to inform, advise, and network them. It is the first German state with a comprehensive advisory service specifically for women.

Photo: © JOYN / Claudius Pflug

women in crafts - Theme specials | September 2025

Rowena Redwanz wins "The Great Bake Off – The Professionals"

Rowena Redwanz, lecturer at the HwK Koblenz and master confectioner, prevailed against the competition as a candidate in the new season on SAT.1.

Photo: © Robert Lüdenbach

women in crafts - Theme specials | Aug 2025

Craftsmanship meets literature: New book by Sandra Hunke

Craftswoman, mother, model, author. Sandra Hunke is a doer. It wasn't always this way. With her second book, the "construction girl" wants to encourage people who doubt their own talents due to external influences.

Photo: © mrwed54/123RF.com

women in crafts - Theme specials | Aug 2025

Study on self-employment and maternity protection

The IfM Bonn has investigated the professional consequences of pregnancy and motherhood for self-employed female craftspeople in North Rhine-Westphalia. The results are enormous physical and financial burdens.

Photo: © Joyn/Claudius Pflug

women in crafts - Theme specials | Aug 2025

The Great Bake Off: Master confectioner Rowena Redwanz is there

Koblenz-based pastry chef and HwK lecturer Rowena Redwanz will compete for the Golden Cupcake in the new season of "Das große Backen – Die Profis" on SAT.1. It premieres on July 2, 2025.

Photo: © German Confectioners' Association (BIV)

women in crafts - Theme specials | July 2025

Bettina Schliephake-Burchardt is the new president of the Confectioners’ Association

Master pastry chef Bettina Schliephake-Burchardt is the new president of the German Confectioners' Association. The Hamburg native is known, among other things, as a judge on the SAT.1 show "Das große Backen" (The Great Baking Show) and is the first woman to head the association.

Photo: © Andreas Buck

women in crafts - Theme specials | July 2025

Painter family brings color to life since 1900

Annika Schröer-Oeldemann is the fourth generation to manage a traditional company with passion and skill – modern, masterly, and firmly rooted in the painting trade.

Photo: © private

women in crafts - Theme specials | June 2025

Anne-Kathrin Heidrich: My start into self-employment

In this series, the Handwerksblatt magazine introduces people who have founded or taken over a craft business. Like master tiler, slab installer, and mosaicist Anne-Kathrin Heidrich from Brandenburg.

Photo: © Sarah Rauch / HWK Dortmund

women in crafts - Theme specials | May 2025

"Women, make yourselves more visible"

The nationwide network meeting for women in the skilled trades in Dortmund aimed to attract even more women to the skilled trades and to strengthen their role in the industry.

Photo: © Anne Kieserling

women in crafts - Theme specials | April 2025

"You can be loud!"

Experience craftsmanship, meet role models: How girls discover new paths at their school's career orientation day with "Inspiring Girls."

Photo: © UFH State Association NRW

women in crafts - Theme specials | April 2025

"The future is female and sustainable"

The North Rhine-Westphalian Association of Women Entrepreneurs in the Skilled Crafts sector met for its annual conference under the motto "Women, Skilled Crafts, Circular Economy: The Future is Female and Sustainable."

Photo: © annaperfilova/123RF.com

women in crafts - Theme specials | April 2025

For the health of mothers and newborns

With World Health Day, which takes place annually on April 7, the World Health Organization is dedicating itself to promoting the health of mothers and newborns in 2025.

Photo: © georgerudy/123RF.com

women in crafts - Theme specials | November 2024

Women take on leadership roles in medium-sized businesses

One in four medium-sized companies has at least one woman on the management board. According to a study by Creditreform, young companies and service providers in particular have a high proportion of women on management levels.

Photo: © Martina Jahn

women in crafts - Theme specials | October 2024

UFH: Katja Lilu Melder elected as new chairwoman

The Federal Congress of Women Entrepreneurs in the Skilled Crafts (UFH) met in Bingen. In addition to the election of the new board, topics such as employer branding, energy, and climate protection were on the agenda.

Photo: © ISOTEC GmbH

women in crafts - Theme specials | Aug 2024

Podcast: The Isotec Crafts Compass

With its Handwerkskompass podcast, Isotec aims to strengthen the skilled trades and increase their appeal. The current episode focuses on women in the skilled trades.

Photo: © private

women in crafts - Theme specials | July 2024

"Tolerance and love are our best tools"

Two strong women with strong messages: In this conversation, Maren Kogge and Jule Rombey share their experiences and talk about their wishes, future projects, and goals.

Photo: © Nordseeheilbad Borkum GmbH

women in crafts - Theme specials | July 2024

Women's Power: Crafts on the East Frisian Islands

From Wangerooge to Borkum and Juist to the high seas: four craftswomen pursue their vocations both on and between the East Frisian Islands.

Photo: © Dmytro/123RF.com

women in crafts - Theme specials | April 2024

Maternity protection for the self-employed: Federal Council calls for solutions

The Federal Council is calling for maternity protection for the self-employed as well. The federal government should now create appropriate instruments. Female entrepreneurs in the skilled trades are particularly affected. Master carpenter Johanna Röh has been fighting against inequality of opportunity and for reform for two years.

Photo: © private

women in crafts - Theme specials | April 2024

Women's power in Brandenburg's crafts

The number of women running craft businesses is increasing. In Brandenburg, almost one in four craft businesses has a female owner. Many of them engage in volunteer work, especially in recruiting young talent.

Photo: © UFH NRW

women in crafts - Theme specials | March 2024

UFH NRW elects new board

This year's NRW State Association Conference of Women Entrepreneurs in the Skilled Crafts focused on work and leadership in times of change. The general meeting also elected a new board.

Photo: © Markus Feger

women in crafts - Theme specials | February 2024

"As if the price comes from Dad"

After two blows of fate, the Schmitz country butcher shop in Bitburg and Landscheid is back on its feet – Founder’s prize for the three strong female bosses

Photo: © Falk Enderle

women in crafts - Theme specials | January 2024

Portrait: The woman is self-employed

During her master craftsman training, in the companies and to this day on the construction sites, Alina Gieres is the only female master electrician in Saarland.

Photo: © Farina Deutschmann

women in crafts - Theme specials | January 2024

Childhood dream realized

Crafts are a pillar of Brandenburg's economy. In a series, the DHB (German Cooperative State Office for Skilled Crafts) introduces people who have founded a craft business.

Photo: © HWK Cottbus

women in crafts - Theme specials | December 2023

Female dual leadership at the Chamber of Crafts and Trades in Cottbus: Manja Bonin becomes Managing Director

Manja Bonin will be the first female dual leadership position at a Chamber of Skilled Crafts in Germany: she will become the new Managing Director of the Chamber of Skilled Crafts in Cottbus. Civil engineer Corina Reifenstein has been President since 2021.

Photo: © Alexander Sell / ISB

women in crafts - Theme specials | November 2023

Female craftswomen win female entrepreneur award in Rhineland-Palatinate

Martina Schäfer has founded a hair salon for people with dementia, Sabine Schmitz continues to run the Schmitz GbR butcher shop, and Laura Ludwig focuses on sustainability in her carpentry business: female craft entrepreneurs from Rhineland-Palatinate have been awarded the Women's Founders Award.

Photo: © UFH Borken District

women in crafts - Theme specials | November 2023

25 years of Women Entrepreneurs in the Borken district

The Businesswomen (UFH) of the Borken district were delighted to celebrate a quarter of a century of commitment, exchange of experiences and successful networking.

Photo: © Brillenmeisterei Moser

women in crafts - Theme specials | September 2023

Founded with a clever idea and a baby carrier

Starting your own business shortly after having a baby – can that work? Absolutely, says master optician Sandra Moser.

Photo: © Antonio Diaz/123RF.com

women in crafts - Theme specials | Aug 2023

Women conquer the craft

Almost one in four craft businesses in Brandenburg is run by a woman, and more and more women are completing master craftsman examinations.

Photo: © VdU

women in crafts - Theme specials | July 2023

Jeanette Spanier: Successful scaffolder

Master scaffolder Jeanette Spanier has been working in scaffolding construction for 19 years, currently manages her father's business and founded two start-ups.

Photo: © private / Jana Lewe

women in crafts - Theme specials | July 2023

From sideline to successful business

Jana Lewe founded the company as a side business in August 2012. At the time, she had no idea or plan that she would one day run a company for furniture and decorations made from used wine barrels with 14 employees.

Photo: © Federal Association of Chimney Sweeps

women in crafts - Theme specials | June 2023

First woman on the board of the chimney sweeps

District chimney sweep Julia Bothur is the first woman to serve on the board of the Federal Association of Chimney Sweepers. The 37-year-old is also the youngest board member to date.

Photo: © Sandra Blass-Naisar

women in crafts - Theme specials | June 2023

"On exam day, I was a shaking wreck"

For a long time, she couldn't imagine earning her master craftsman's certificate. But then Nadine Knobloch overcame her exam anxiety and came top of the exam.

Photo: © levstudio/123RF.com

women in crafts - Theme specials | June 2023

Progress is being made on the issue of "maternity protection for all"

All parliamentary groups in the Bundestag's Petitions Committee voted to forward the petition "Maternity Protection for Self-Employed Pregnant Women" to the federal government for consideration. This is the highest vote.

Photo: © F. Reichenberger

women in crafts - Theme specials | May 2023

Women belong in the trades

Among the most important organizations in the skilled trades are the Women Entrepreneurs in the Skilled Trades (UFH). With their current campaign "Skilled Trades Are a Women's Business Here, Too," they aim to introduce women to the trades.

Photo: © M. Kuss

women in crafts - Theme specials | May 2023

Crafts: Not a man’s job!

A career in the skilled trades and their organization isn't a question of gender. However, to truly increase the proportion of women, structures and mindsets must change, both in society and in the economy—and in general.

Photo: © Chamber of Crafts Frankfurt-Rhein-Main

women in crafts - Theme specials | May 2023

Crafts: "Not a question of genes"

Only one in five skilled trades businesses is headed by a woman, and the proportion of women in the organization is even lower. We discuss the reasons with Susanne Haus, President of the Frankfurt Chamber of Crafts and Trades, and Anja Obermann, General Manager of the Rheinhessen Chamber of Crafts and Trades.

Photo: © Anette Hammer / Freistil Fotografie / UFH

women in crafts - Theme specials | April 2023

Lots of girl power in Cologne

At the 33rd NRW regional association conference of "Women Entrepreneurs in the Skilled Crafts" in Cologne, networking was once again held in person and the influence of strong women was highlighted.

Photo: © Dinis Tolipov/123RF.com

women in crafts - Theme specials | January 2023

Women with migration experience should get started with "My Turn"

The ESF-funded "My Turn" program is designed to support women with migration experience on their path to qualification, training, and employment. It will be implemented nationwide by over 140 organizations.

Photo: © Private

women in crafts - Theme specials | January 2023

Part-time training: Mother of three takes off

The Schäfermeier butcher shop in Lippstadt offers its trainees completely new career prospects.

Photo: © HENNING SCHEFFEN PHOTOGRAPHY

women in crafts - Theme specials | September 2022

Maternity protection for the self-employed: Government seeks solutions

Master carpenter Johanna Röh continues to fight tirelessly for a reform of maternity protection for the self-employed. The Bundestag's Petitions Committee has now assured her that the federal government is working on a solution to the problem.

Photo: © HWK Potsdam

women in crafts - Theme specials | Aug 2022

The world of crafts is becoming more female

Girls and women are breaking stereotypes in the skilled trades. They're dispelling prejudices by completing training in what's considered a typically male trade. Like 19-year-old Marit Westphal.

Photo: © goodluz/123RF.com

women in crafts - Theme specials | July 2022

Better training for female trainees

The Cologne Women's Crafts Association has created a brochure with apprentices. The "Handbook for Trainers – From the Perspective of (Female) Apprentices" contains tips on how to improve the working atmosphere and job satisfaction.

Photo: © HWK Cottbus

women in crafts - Theme specials | June 2022

Anett Wahl is Entrepreneur of the State of Brandenburg 2022

Anett Wahl, owner of the Wahl GmbH bakery and confectionery business with over 40 branches, is the "Female Entrepreneur of the State of Brandenburg 2022." The 43-year-old took over the family business in 2017. She focuses on digitalization and process optimization.

Photo: © HENNING SCHEFFEN PHOTOGRAPHY

women in crafts - Theme specials | April 2022

Self-employed and pregnant equal insolvent?

Pregnancy shouldn't threaten one's livelihood. "We need a comprehensive reform of maternity protection," says master carpenter Johanna Röh. She started the petition #meinewerkstattbleibt (MyWorkshopStays). Read what the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs has to say about it.

Photo: © Hildesheim Chamber of Crafts

women in crafts - Theme specials | March 2022

High-ranking visitors to women-friendly carpentry shop ahead of "Vocational Training Week"

The "Vocational Training Week" will take place in Lower Saxony from March 28 to April 1. Prior to the event, State Secretary for Education, Gaby Willamowius, visited the Lotze-Franke carpentry shop, which has been recognized for its particularly women-friendly approach.

Photo: © JH Steingestaltung

women in crafts - Theme specials | March 2022

Succession: "Women in the trades should have more confidence"

Master stonemason Jacqueline Hausotte took over two businesses at once and turned them into her own success story. Within a very short time, JH Steingestaltung became the largest gravestone company in the Leipzig area.

Photo: © Teamfoto Marquardt

women in crafts - Theme specials | March 2022

Women contribute to the success of the craft industry

Rosemarie Ehrlich, board member of the Münster Chamber of Crafts, calls for a rethink in society to encourage more female apprentices.

Photo: © Chris Lührmann/HWK Dortmund

women in crafts - Theme specials | March 2022

Inspiring more women to pursue careers in the skilled trades

The Dortmund Chamber of Crafts has now launched the campaign "Strong Women. Strong Crafts."

Photo: © wavebreakmediamicro/123rf.com

women in crafts - Theme specials | February 2022

Women are increasingly founding companies

In the Dortmund Chamber of Commerce district, there is a new record number of start-ups by women.

Photo: © Matthias Höing

women in crafts - Theme specials | February 2022

Role models: A future with female professionals

Fifteen women-friendly businesses in the Emscher-Lippe region were honored for their work in an online ceremony.

Photo: © Wilfried Meyer

women in crafts - Theme specials | February 2022

Women and girl power in the Solingen painting company

Kai Wiegand is currently training three young women to become painters and varnishers. He plans to leverage the fact that his company's workforce is almost 50 percent female, which he also plans to use to recruit apprentices on Facebook and Instagram.

Photo: © Sebastian Knoth

women in crafts - Theme specials | February 2022

Bella Baumädchen: A strong girl dispels stereotypes

Bella Baumädchen is a tough new children's book character. With charm and chutzpah, she shatters clichés. The character was conceived by Sandra Hunke, and autobiographical elements are certainly intentional.

Photo: © goodluz/123RF.com

women in crafts - Theme specials | February 2022

Girls'Day 2022 aims to provide normality and stability in career choices

The coronavirus pandemic shouldn't limit students' career choices. Therefore, both online and in-person formats are welcome at Girls' Day 2022. Crafts and trades will be represented with creative solutions.

Photo: © Wilfried Meyer

women in crafts - Theme specials | February 2022

MT Dachbau spares no expense or effort for Girls'Day

Tobias Wecker is offering two students a place for Girls' Day 2022. They will learn about two skilled trades in one day. Safety shoes and work clothes will be provided.

Photo: © mihtiander/123RF.com

women in crafts - Theme specials | February 2022

Talent scouts should put girls on course for the trades

Corinna Lange and Anita Gmeiner are talent scouts at two Chambers of Crafts in Bavaria. Their mission is to inspire girls and young women to pursue vocational training in the skilled trades. The f-bb (German Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training) coordinates the project.

Photo: © UFH Federal Association

women in crafts - Theme specials | January 2022

New seal for businesses: "Crafts are also a women's business here"

Girls and women are welcome in the skilled trades. They should choose their profession free from stereotypes. To spread this message, the Federal Association of Women Entrepreneurs in the Skilled Trades is awarding the new seal "Skills are also a women's business here."

Photo: © Lanvermann

women in crafts - Theme specials | December 2021

New Federal Chairwoman of the Women Entrepreneurs in Crafts

Interview. Tatjana Lanvermann is the new federal chairwoman of the Women Entrepreneurs in Crafts (UFH). We spoke with her about her goals, female entrepreneurs, and the new girls' project: the "Crafts are also a women's issue here" seal.

Photo: © Ulrich Schepp

women in crafts - Theme specials | October 2021

Master Prize: Honor for Bakery Entrepreneur

Carmen Heinke, Managing Director of Bäckerei Hardt GmbH, has received the Master Craftsman Award from the KölnHandwerk Foundation.

Photo: © Stuck Belz GmbH

women in crafts - Theme specials | June 2021

Stuck Belz virtually inspires children to get into handicrafts on Girls'Day

Career guidance via Zoom works. Stuck Belz has proven it. At Girls' Day, students participated in online drawing, made a plaster cast, showed a self-produced video, and were given a tour of the workshop.

Photo: © :in – the web series

women in crafts - Theme specials | April 2021

Web series shows young women in male-dominated professions

The first three episodes of the web series ":in" will be available on YouTube starting April 15. They portray young women asserting themselves in male-dominated fields. Isabelle, aka @die.tischlerin, is also involved from the trades.

Photo: © Glaserei Späth

women in crafts - Theme specials | March 2021

Women in the trades: Happy and successful

Women are still a minority on construction sites and in workshops. On International Women's Day, the skilled trades are calling for more courage in choosing careers. Glazier Cecile Höllmüller and master brewer Doreen Gaumann have found their dream jobs.

Photo: © ginasanders/123RF.com

women in crafts - Theme specials | February 2021

The campaign #womencancraft has started

What matters is not whether a woman or a man practices a trade. What matters is the will and the ability. The #frauenkönnenhandwerk campaign aims to raise awareness among companies to focus more on women when recruiting skilled workers.

Photo: © Kathrin Dictus

women in crafts - Theme specials | July 2020

Succession in the skilled trades is (also) female

They are innovative, successful, and future-oriented: As entrepreneurs and managers, women in the skilled trades are making progress, even outside of traditional female occupations. Some of them share their stories here.

Photo: © Münster District Government

women in crafts - Theme specials | January 2020

Empowering women in the workplace

The "Competence Center for Women and Careers Münsterland" will be established this year at the Münster Chamber of Crafts.

Photo: © Jozef Polc/123RF.com

women in crafts - Theme specials | December 2019

Family-friendly employers score across the board

In times of skilled labor shortages, family-friendliness is a clear competitive advantage. More and more employers have already recognized this.

Photo: © Antonio Diaz/123RF.com

women in crafts - Theme specials | Aug 2019

More women in the trades - this is how it could work

Fewer and fewer young women are starting apprenticeships in skilled trades. To get these numbers back up, companies need a cultural shift. But female students and their parents are also in demand.

Photo: © HWK Düsseldorf / W. Meyer

women in crafts - Theme specials | May 2019

Crafts: Women take the lead

They establish and manage successful craft businesses. They engage in volunteer work and provide training. "Women Take the Lead": This is the title of a successful event series organized by the Düsseldorf Chamber of Crafts and Trades.

Photo: © Kurhan/123RF.com

women in crafts - Theme specials | March 2019

Women in the executive chair? None!

The proportion of women in the executive ranks of German SMEs continues to decline. And fewer and fewer women are starting their own businesses.

Photo: © Andreas Buck

women in crafts - Theme specials | July 2018

Mechthild Schröder: Born networker

Mechthild Schröder began volunteering as a teenager. Today, she leads, among other things, the Hamm Working Group of Women Entrepreneurs in the Skilled Crafts.

Photo: © Photo Thiele

women in crafts - Theme specials | April 2018

With female experts into the future

Six women-friendly businesses have been honored with the "Hand.Werk.Frau.Zukunft mit Fachfrauen" award by the Emscher-Lippe-West Chamber of Crafts.

Photo: © auremar/123RF.com

women in crafts - Theme specials | April 2017

Strong women in the trades

The Rhineland-Palatinate State Association of Women Entrepreneurs in the Skilled Crafts celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2017.

Photo: © stylephotographs/123RF.com

women in crafts - Theme specials | April 2016

When women take over a business

They still often find their way to the top job via a roundabout route. When it comes to finding a successor for their business, tradespeople still too often look to men.

Photo: © auremar/123RF.com

women in crafts - Theme specials | April 2015

Are women in the skilled trades on the rise?

More and more women are taking master craftsman exams and taking on management positions, and 22 percent of business owners in the skilled trades are already female. Are women on the rise?

Trainee test: How fit are your applicants?

Current editions