Creatively combating the shortage of skilled workers: Students build cell phone holders!

Creatively combating the shortage of skilled workers: Students build cell phone holders!

More and more students are discovering the world of crafts, and that is urgently needed. The shortage of skilled workers is a pressing issue, particularly in the carpentry industry. To counteract this, the Upper Franconian carpenters' guild has launched an exciting creative competition. Students from Kulmbach are called upon to build their own cell phone holder out of wood, nails and screws. This is not only intended to promote craftsmanship, but also to provide an understanding of the profession of carpentry and to inspire young people for this traditional industry. [Frankenpost reports that ...](https://www.frankenpost.de/content.schreiner-innung-kreativ-gegen-den-fachraefte Mangel.76848428-11c7-45a9-bec3-68c0c558e54f.html)

The competition, which is now in its 13th edition, aims to attract young talent to the carpentry profession. At a time when the demands on craftsmanship are constantly increasing, creative approaches are more in demand than ever. It is a good sign that the Upper Franconian carpenters' guild is actively reaching out to young people with such innovative projects.

Challenges in craftsmanship

But the situation in the craft sector remains tense. In 2022, an average of 236,818 jobs in skilled trades were reported in Germany, a record number. According to a study by the Competence Center for Skilled Workers (KOFA), there are still large gaps: over 60% of the open master positions remain unfilled. What is particularly alarming is the shortage of workers with completed vocational training, which has increased compared to the previous year. Handwerk-Magazin states that...

This pioneering work in the youth sector has a positive impact on the training market. There are currently 96 trainees in the carpenters' guild, which is quite encouraging compared to the declining number of births. Nevertheless, the shortage of skilled workers remains a challenge. Last year, the corona pandemic had a massive impact on the usual face-to-face events that are essential for recruiting young talent. Events and school visits faced material shortages and rising costs, making the search for new talent even more difficult. Schreiner.de describes that ...

A look into the future

In summary, it can be said that the Upper Franconian carpenters' guild is taking an important step in the right direction with its creative competition. In view of the challenges posed by the shortage of skilled workers, it remains crucial to awaken enthusiasm for skilled trades in the young generation. The positive developments in the number of apprentices offer cause for hope, but there is still a lot to be done to close the gaps in the skilled trades and increase the attractiveness of these professions.