Boosting Female Participation in the Craft Industry:
In Baden-Württemberg, the number of women in the skilled trades has seen a decline compared to a decade ago. According to recent figures, the percentage of female apprentices in these fields has decreased since 2020, with the current figure hovering around 19-20%. As the new training year approaches, efforts are being made to change this trend.
One inspiring example of a woman thriving in the skilled trades is Sarah Jetter, an electrician from Steinheim (Circle Ludwigsburg). Sarah works alongside her father on large construction sites, installing power distributors and checking for electricity on sockets. Despite being the only woman among eight men in her training, Sarah is determined to become a master craftsman and eventually take over her father's business.
Peter Friedrich, head of the Chamber of Crafts for the Stuttgart region, acknowledges the potential of women in the skilled trades. He states that women are often among the top performers in these fields. To encourage more women to join, initiatives like Girls’ Day in Germany are being implemented. These programs provide insights and exposure to technical occupations such as electricians, supporting the energy transition and breaking down stereotypes.
In addition to such initiatives, other effective measures include addressing stereotyping, government and social partnerships, combating discrimination, offering mentorship, providing flexible workplace conditions, and emphasizing the growing demand for skilled labor. These approaches aim to create an environment that supports women’s participation in skilled trades.
Sarah Jetter, with her pink tools and active Instagram presence, is a testament to these efforts. She shares her daily work life to encourage school-leavers to consider apprenticeships in the trades. Despite the challenges, she finds it a shame that there are still relatively few women in the skilled trades.
Traditionally male professions, such as carpenters, automotive mechatronics technicians, and painters and varnishers, are gaining popularity among new female apprentices. Technical aids like special robots or exoskeletons can also help with heavy loads in the skilled trades, according to Peter Friedrich.
The Chamber of Crafts is also making efforts to make women aware of the different professions through internships or events like Girls' Day. Sarah Jetter, who has already passed all her exams with a 1.0 in her third year of training, manages most tasks on her own and finds the work as an electrician varied and rewarding.
While the pandemic has affected the percentage of female apprentices starting in sectors like hairdressing, retail, and office management, there is hope that the trend in the skilled trades will reverse. With the combined efforts of government initiatives, cultural change through education and events, and workplace reforms, the number of women in these occupations is expected to increase. Sarah Jetter, with her ambition to increase the number of women in the skilled trades, is a beacon of hope for the future.
[1] Source: Chamber of Crafts for the Stuttgart region [2] Source: German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth [3] Source: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action [4] Source: Federal Employment Agency [5] Source: Institute for Employment Research (IAB)
- Sarah Jetter, an electrician, works with her father in Baden-Württemberg, contributing to the skilled trades despite a decline in female participation in recent years.
- The Chamber of Crafts for the Stuttgart region recognizes the potential of women in the skilled trades and is implementing initiatives like Girls’ Day to encourage their participation.
- To address the gender imbalance, measures such as addressing stereotypes, offering mentorship, providing flexible workplace conditions, and combating discrimination are being taken.
- technical aids like special robots or exoskeletons can help with heavy loads in the skilled trades, making these professions more accessible to women.
- With the combined efforts of government initiatives, cultural change through education and events, and workplace reforms, the proportion of women in the skilled trades is expected to grow, creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce in various sectors like carpentry, automotive mechatronics, and painting and varnishing.
