Tailwind for entrepreneurs in the craft sector

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, skilled trades offer outstanding prospects. The Masters' Day in North Rhine-Westphalia took place under this theme, taking the coronavirus regulations into account.

This article is part of the special feature GründerNavi – for founders and young companies

"Especially in times like these, it's important to support young entrepreneurs in the skilled trades, because despite the pandemic, the skilled trades offer excellent future prospects." With these words, Matthias Heidmeier , Managing Director of the West German Association of Chambers of Skilled Crafts (WHKT) and the North Rhine-Westphalia State Agency for Trade Promotion (LGH), opened the 9th NRW Master Craftsman Day at the Alte Schlossfabrik (Old Castle Factory) in Solingen. In front of approximately 80 selected guests, 20 young entrepreneurs from the North Rhine-Westphalia skilled trades received their certificates for the Master Craftsman Start-Up Grant. The event was moderated by WDR journalist Gisela Steinhauer . Her panelists included Minister of Economic Affairs Prof. Dr. Andreas Pinkwart , WHKT President Hans Hund , LGH Chairman Berthold Schröder , and the President of the Düsseldorf Chamber of Skilled Crafts , Andreas Ehlert , as well as numerous other representatives from politics and business.

Satisfied with Corona emergency aid

Ministers Andreas Pinkwart, Hans Hund, Berthold Schröder, and Andreas Ehlert discussed the current challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic in an interview with Gisela Steinhauer. Pinkwart emphasized that the skilled trades are currently stabilizing the entire economy. The minister expressed satisfaction with the close cooperation between politics, business, and administration, which enabled the rapid and unbureaucratic provision of emergency coronavirus aid to numerous businesses: "I am proud that democracy has demonstrated here how quickly it can act when it matters." Berthold Schröder added: "All skilled trades organizations have worked hand in hand during this time."

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Hans Hund addressed the founders directly, saying: "Especially in these times, those in the skilled trades who, despite all the circumstances, embark on self-employment and establish or take over a business deserve great respect." Minister of Economic Affairs Andreas Pinkwart, Kristina Pelz, head of business consulting at the Düsseldorf Chamber of Skilled Crafts, and three young recipients of the Master Craftsmen's Start-up Award – hairdresser Filiz Schulz, carpenter Lars Zimmermann, and confectioner Wieland Funk – made it clear in a panel discussion that more enthusiasm for skilled trades training must be sparked, especially among secondary school students.

Keynote by Sven Schöpker

In the second part of the event, keynote speaker Sven Schöpker , master carpenter and managing director of Raumfabrik , provided valuable tips to the young entrepreneurs. With his " Mission: Awesome Craftsmanship !", he aims to strengthen the reputation of skilled trades in society. His central message: "Show what your work is worth!"