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.

This article is part of the special topic women in crafts

Since the beginning of the year, all eight chambers of skilled crafts in Baden-Württemberg have designated contact persons for the topic of "Women in Skilled Crafts." This marks the first time the skilled crafts sector has created a comprehensive, statewide structure to specifically inform, advise, and network women, reports the [source/organization]. Baden-Württemberg Crafts Day (Handwerk BW). Chambers of skilled crafts also offer advisory services specifically for women in skilled crafts in other federal states, but according to Handwerk BW, these services are not available nationwide.

Women in skilled trades: Network strengthens skilled workers

The contact persons see themselves as central points of contact for all questions relating to "women in the skilled trades"—for example, for young women and their parents regarding career choices, for journeymen and master craftswomen, for female entrepreneurs, or for companies that want to specifically promote women. Depending on the request, referrals are made to appropriate advisory services, networks, or specialist departments within the chambers.

The network is coordinated through the project funded by the state of Baden-Württemberg. Project "Women in Crafts" (FiH)The aim is to inspire more women, especially for the industrial and technical trades, and to support companies, craft organizations and educational institutions in attracting and retaining women as skilled workers.

Promoting women in skilled trades: A strong signal

The offer sends a strong signal – both internally and externally, he says. Rainer Reichhold, President of Handwerk BW. "It's about guidance, visibility and concrete support. In short: about ensuring that women in the skilled trades find good conditions and can develop their potential."

According to figures from Central Association of German Skilled Crafts (ZDH) In 2024, approximately one-sixth (15,9 percent) of successful master craftsman examinations were completed by women. The proportion of women in top management positions in the skilled trades varies significantly depending on the specific trade. On average, one in four skilled trades businesses (24,9 percent) is (co-)managed by a woman. However, the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH), which works together with chambers of skilled crafts and trade associations to promote more women in the skilled trades and to encourage career guidance free from stereotypes, emphasizes that the development potential of women in these fields is far from exhausted.

Information and datesDates and measures related to this topic can be found on the website. www.handwerk-bw.de/frauen-im-handwerk as well as via the central email address frauen@handwerk-bw.deThe contact persons at the eight chambers can be found [here/below/etc.]. here..

Source: Handwerk BW; ZDH

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