Better positioned together

The young craftspeople of Trier are celebrating community, growth and the 20-year commitment of their managing director Christian Neuenfeldt.

Skilled labor shortages , bureaucracy , and digitalization are plaguing many craft businesses. This makes networking with other entrepreneurs all the more important. For many years, the Young Craftsmen's Forum Trier has fostered this dialogue and now boasts around 150 members from nearly all trades. At the summer festival in Trier, more than 70 members and guests gathered to cultivate existing contacts, forge new connections, and celebrate shared successes.

20 years of dedication to the club

At the same time, the network recognized the 20 years of service of Managing Director Christian Neuenfeldt . As an employee of the Trier Chamber of Skilled Crafts, he has been supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs for many years and has significantly shaped the development of the association.

"Back then, as a business start-up consultant, I had a lot of contact with young tradespeople who are now established entrepreneurs. Many of those founders are still active in the Young Trades Association," says Neuenfeldt. "The cohesion among the members can be described with three words: contacts, cooperation, and friendships." Membership has tripled during his tenure. Company visits, regular meetings, sporting activities, annual trips, and the traditional Oktoberfest continue to provide opportunities for networking and new ideas. Some traditions have also endured. With a twinkle in his eye, Neuenfeldt recalls the competition with the KJU Trier : "In 2013, we introduced the regular sporting competition against the KJU Trier. To this day, the Young Trades Association remains undefeated. May it stay that way for another 20 years!"

What members appreciate about young crafts

Today, the Young Craftsmen's Association is much more than just a network. It fosters collaborations, business referrals, and often even friendships. "The Young Craftsmen's Association thrives on people who share their experiences and learn from each other," emphasizes Chairwoman Nadine Knauff , owner of the Studio for Hair salon in Trier. "Many appreciate the open exchange and the opportunity to easily access the knowledge and experience of other entrepreneurs."

The members themselves attest to the value of this exchange. "What's so exciting about the Young Craftsmen's Association is the people. You get to know entrepreneurs you'd probably never encounter in everyday life," says Sabine von Renz, Managing Director of GHS GmbH & Co. KG in Trier. "Often, you take away from conversations or company visits exactly the idea you needed for your own business." Master butcher Kai Leonhardt , owner of the Martin butcher shop in Trier, sums it up perfectly: "Whether it's new ideas for the business or for finding your own tradespeople, it's always good to be able to call someone you can rely on. Many of these beneficial contacts would never have come about without the Young Craftsmen's Association." New member Tristan Kaisen, master electrician at Elektro Esser GmbH in Trier , also emphasizes the welcoming atmosphere: "My introduction was truly warm. The friendly exchange with many new people will stay with me very fondly."

Success through unity

For Neuenfeldt, this is precisely the network's greatest strength: "What pleases me most after 20 years is that many members have remained loyal to the network over the years."

His conclusion: "In the skilled trades sector, it's not about collecting business cards, but about exchanging ideas on equal terms. Those who join gain ideas, perspectives, and reliable contacts. After 20 years, it's truer than ever: The strength of the network lies not only in its size, but in the connections that arise from it."

Background: Forum Young Crafts Trier eV Stammtisch Anyone interested in getting to know the Forum for Young Craftsmen Trier e. V. is invited to the informal meeting on September 11th at 18 p.m. at the Sparkasse Trier bank, Theodor-Heuss-Allee 1. The program begins with a champagne reception and a short presentation. Afterwards, there will be a tour of the Sparkasse's new premises. With musical accompaniment by Frank Rohles, the evening offers ample opportunity for personal conversations, networking, and making new contacts. Refreshments will be provided by the Sparkasse, a supporting member of the association.
Registration Those interested can register via email: junghandwerk@hwk-trier.de.
Online Click here to go to the online presence of the Forum junges Handwerk Trier eV (Forum for Young Craftsmen Trier). 
Background Click here for a recap of the Young Craftsmen's Festival. 

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