A great atmosphere, lively discussions, and a wealth of information – that was the summer festival of the skilled trades at the Trier Chamber of Skilled Crafts. (Photo: © Isabel Mayer)
Read aloud:
September 9, 2026
Taking action instead of waiting: With this message, the summer festival of crafts on September 4th at Campus Handwerk sent a clear signal.
Around 140 guests from the trades, politics, business, administration, and academia gathered to assess current challenges , gather ideas, and discuss the future of the trades and Rhineland-Palatinate as a business location . In his welcoming address , Bernd Elsen, President of the Chamber of Skilled Crafts (HWK), drew a connection between economic challenges and the overall stable development of the trades. Despite a weaker order situation in some areas, the trades are proving resilient. Particularly encouraging: For the first time in years, the number of apprenticeships is rising again.
Addressing Minister-President Gordon Schnieder, Elsen outlined the key expectations of the business community: less bureaucracy, better education, faster housing construction, modern infrastructure, and financially strong municipalities. Schnieder addressed these issues and made it clear that the state government intends to accelerate modernization and investment. He emphasized that skilled trades are indispensable partners in the development of the state.
Professor Dr. Katrin Muehlfeld from the University of Trier offered a glimpse into the future of work . In her presentation, she demonstrated why skilled trades offer excellent prospects even in the age of artificial intelligence. At the same time, she advocated for introducing young people to skilled trades at an early age and further strengthening society's appreciation for them. Her central message: "Hope means action!"
In addition to the informative presentations, the summer festival offered ample opportunity for personal conversations, new contacts, and exchange across industry and institutional boundaries. Following its successful launch in the anniversary year, the event is now intended to establish itself as a regular meeting place for the regional craft network. All members of the Trier Chamber of Skilled Crafts are cordially invited to attend again next year.
Background: Summer Festival of Crafts Background You can find the detailed recap with all the background information, demands and impulses here.
PHOTOS Impressions of the summer festival can also be found in the HWK photo gallery.
DHB is now also available digitally! Simply click here and register for the digital DHB!
Further news from the district of the Chamber of Crafts Trier
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