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 feature on women in the trades.

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 structure across the state to provide targeted information, advice, and networking opportunities for women, reports the Baden-Württemberg Skilled Crafts Association (Handwerk BW) . While chambers of skilled crafts in other German states also offer advisory services specifically for women in skilled crafts, Handwerk BW notes that 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 "Women in Crafts" (FiH) project, funded by the state of Baden-Württemberg . Its aim is to encourage more women, particularly to pursue careers in skilled trades and technical professions, and to support businesses, craft organizations, and educational institutions in recruiting and retaining women as skilled workers.

Promoting women in skilled trades: A strong signal

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

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According to figures from the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH), around one-sixth (15,9 percent) of successful master craftsman examinations in 2024 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 businesses (24,9 percent) in the skilled trades is (co-)managed by a woman. However, the ZDH emphasizes that the development potential of women is far from exhausted and is working with chambers of skilled crafts and trade associations to promote more women in the skilled trades and to encourage career guidance free from stereotypes.

Information and dates: Dates and events on this topic can be found on the website www.handwerk-bw.de/frauen-im-handwerk and via the central email address frauen@handwerk-bw.de . Contact persons at the eight chambers can be found here.

Source: Handwerk BW; ZDH

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