Between AI and securing skilled workers: Employees look to the future

With a focus on the challenges and opportunities of the skilled trades, Vice President Bernhard Blanke welcomed the employee representatives to the general assembly of the Münster Chamber of Skilled Crafts for the first employee conference of the year in Gelsenkirchen-Buer.

The focus was on exchanging information about current developments and future topics such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the master plan for skilled trades in the Ruhr region. "The skilled trades are facing profound changes," Blanke emphasized. It is therefore all the more important to understand new technologies while simultaneously keeping the interests of employees in mind.

Employers' Association Vice President Josef Trendelkamp provided a practical insight into the possibilities of artificial intelligence. Using examples from his craft business, he demonstrated how AI can help accelerate workflows, make processes more efficient, and bring technical solutions to light more quickly. It became clear that, when used correctly, AI can be a valuable tool, but it does not replace the experience and expertise of employees.

AI is not a panacea.

The topic was explored in greater depth by Isabel Evels and Norbert Speier from the Münster Chamber of Skilled Crafts and Trades (HWK Münster). The two innovation and technology consultants used examples to illustrate that AI is not a panacea. The quality of the results depends significantly on the underlying data. Therefore, a critical and responsible approach to these new tools is essential.

Another key focus was set by Markus Hartmann, Managing Director of the Chamber of Skilled Crafts (HWK). He presented the Master Plan for Skilled Crafts in the Ruhr region, which aims to strengthen the development of one of Germany's most important skilled crafts regions. In the area between Wesel and Hellweg-Lippe, more than 295.000 people work in over 46.000 skilled crafts businesses. In addition, there are nearly 19.000 apprentices. Despite these impressive figures, the economic importance of skilled crafts is often underestimated. The Master Plan is therefore intended to help make the interests of skilled crafts more visible and to create better framework conditions. This includes, among other things, new areas for craft centers and greater consideration of skilled crafts concerns in regional development. At the close of the conference, Bernhard Blanke reminded attendees that the future of skilled crafts depends primarily on the people who work in the businesses every day. Well-qualified skilled workers are the foundation for mastering the challenges ahead and shaping a successful future for skilled crafts.

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