Saxony has 325 new master craftsmen

The Saxon skilled crafts sector has welcomed 325 new master craftsmen into its ranks. At a ceremony at the Dresden Chamber of Crafts, 55 women and 270 men were presented with their master craftsman's certificates. President Jörg Dittrich, who also heads the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts, called for significantly more support for the skilled trades and the career plans of the young master craftsmen. They can now train themselves, take on management positions, set up a company or continue as a successor.

The master craftsman ceremony at the Dresden trade fair was held under the motto: "Master craftsmen 2025: We can do anything that comes our way". In view of the sluggish economy and the stagnating economy, Dittrich appealed to politicians in the federal government and Saxony to do more for the skilled trades and the new generation of master craftsmen. "The skilled trades and SMEs must finally become the focus of economic policy. After all, these companies are of central importance for the success of the economy and the state."

Chamber president bemoans excessive bureaucracy

According to Dittrich, 99 percent of all companies in Saxony are SMEs. "They provide 72 percent of jobs and train 70 percent of all apprentices. But many of them are disappointed. They are wondering where the relief is and how the economy is to be stimulated," emphasized the President.

A noticeable reduction in bureaucracy, lower energy prices and relief in social security contributions are necessary. "The excessive bureaucracy robs valuable manpower and time. This discourages many young master craftsmen from setting up or taking over a business."

At the same time, Dittrich called for an increase in the master craftsman bonus in Saxony. Currently, 2,000 euros are paid to all new master craftsmen. The president spoke out in favor of doubling this amount to a level similar to that in Lower Saxony and Bremen. Originally, this was also an election campaign promise made by the CDU in Saxony. In the end, however, there was not enough money.

Kretschmer advocates better framework conditions for skilled trades

Saxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer (CDU) saw the presentation of the master craftsman's certificates as proof of "the potential in terms of strength, ability and future" in Saxony's skilled trades. "Together, we are working to further optimize the framework conditions for the skilled trades - so that your ideas can flourish and the Free State of Saxony can continue to benefit from your knowledge, commitment and entrepreneurial spirit in the future."

The new master craftsmen come from 14 federal states and have graduated in a total of 26 professions. The largest group of 36 master craftsmen are automotive technicians. They are followed by electrical technicians (35), bakers (23), carpenters (21), joiners (21) and orthopaedic shoemakers (20). The youngest master craftsmen are 20 years old, while the oldest graduate successfully completed his master craftsman studies at the age of 53.