DOCUMENT RESUME

ED 382 820 CE 068 923

AUTHOR Tapia, Ivan, Ed.TITLE The Skilled Crafts in Germany. Education and Science

(Bildung and Wissenschaft) BW 1/95.INSTITUTION Inter Nationes, Bonn (Germany).REPORT NO ISSN-0177-4212PUB DATE 95

NOTE 24p.; English transiation by 3rangwyn Jones.PUB TYPE Reports Descriptive (141)

EDRS PRICE MFO1 /PCO1 Plus Postage.

DESCRIPTORS *Apprenticeships; *Craft Workers; Design Crafts;*Economic Development; *Education Work Relationship;Foreign Countries; Foundries; Glass; Handicrafts;Industrial Arts; Postsecondary Education

IDENTIFIERS *Germany

ABSTRACTThis publication focuses on the skilled crafts in

Germany, including the training system and professional prospects. Itincludes the following articles: "A Valuable Tradition" (Dieter W.Benecke) and "The Skilled Crafts in Germany: Training System andProfessional Prospects" (Volker Thomas). The latter article coversthe following topics: the economic and social importance of thecrafts today, training and new blood in the crafts sector, examplesof skilled crafts (glass, sailmaking, wrought iron, sun- andwind-generated electricity, acoustics, machine building), financingin the handicraft sector, flexible autonomous organizations withinthe economy, the individual aspect and the freedom of choice,services galore, and the art of design. Addresses of handicraftorganizations in various cities are provided. (KC)

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Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be madefrom the original document.

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EDRITION 10 SCIENCE

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411

1/1995

INTER NATIONES

U.S. DEPARTMENT OP EDUCATIONOtte of Educational R..wcti and ImprovainantEDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION

CENTER (ERIC)

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Points of view or opinions stated in this 60etzmint do not nacessants reprimand WheatOERI annum a policy

The SkilledCrafts Today

The Training ofApprentices

The MasterCraftsman'sExamination

The HandicraftCode

Further Training

ProfessionalProspects

"PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THISMATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY

TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCESINFORMATION CENTER (ERIC)

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CONTENTS page

The Skilled Crafts in GermanyThe training system and professionalprospects

A valuable tradition

The economic and social importanceof the crafts today

) What is "Handwerk" actually?

) A long tradition

) Dynamic change

) The craft trades in figures

) The importance of the skilled craftsin the new Bundeslander

) The environment and the crafts a new market

Training and new blood in the crafttrades sector

) The dual system

) The training of appi fmtices

) Who is allowed to prcvide training?

) From apprentice t^ journeyman

) The master craftsman's examination

) Legal basis: the Handicrafts Code

) Further training in the skilled crafts

) Foreigners in the handicraft sector

) Craft training for slow learners

) The organization of the handicrafts

Examples of skilled crafts) Glass has a binding quality The work of

generations: 370-year-old handicraft firm

) Surfer and sailmaker At home on the world's oceans

) A challenge - Hoppen's wrought-iron workshoprestores the Cologne Cathedral cross

) Generating electricity on the spot Craftsmenwith regenerative energy on new paths

) Acoustic handicraft Jazz musician LarryCoryell swears by a "Gose"

) Machine-building in single-piece constructionFrom a room-sized workshop to a modern craftenter' use of international standing

3

4

8

13

Outlook) Financing in the handicraft sector

) Flexible autonomous organizations within the economy

) The individual aspect and the freedom of choice

) Services galore

) The art of design

18

Appendix) Addresses

2

22

A;

'te

Master painter renovating the historic coat of arms onthe capitals in the A rkadenhof, University of Bonn

Photo: D. (Iiiitingholi

Education and Science (BW 1/95)

Published by:Inter Nationes e.V.Kennedyallee 91-103, D-53175 Bonn

Editor and Layout: Ivan Tapia

Production: Ilona Orthen

Picture research: Hella Roth

English Translation: Brangwyn Jones

Printed by:Druckpartner Moser Druck + Verlag GmbHD-53359 Rheinbach

Cover photo: D. Grafingholt

Reproduction permitted - voucher copies requested(only articles with name and source require reprintpermission)

ISSN: 0177-4212

Editorial closing date: 20 January 1995

BEST COPY AVAILABLE

3

Preface

A valuable tradition

An old German proverb, in fact, a very German proverb,states that "Handwerk hat goldenen Boden". i.e. "A tradein hand finds gold in every land". Nevertheless, the econom-ic, social and, of course, cultural importance of the crafts,i.e. the skilled trades, in Germany endows them with an in-ternational dimension transcending Germany's borders,thus making it worthwhile to focus our attention on themwithin the international dialogue.

Without the handicraft tradition, German industrializationwould probably have taken another path. The developmentof large industrial enterprises has beeit greatly influenced.in part, by small handicraft firms. The traditional observ-ance of quality in the ski'led trades, which resulted from thestrict rules imposed by the forme' r was carried overto many industrial enterprises, thus making "Made in Ger-many" the hallmark of quality. As a result, compared withdevelopments in the United Kingdom. which were verymuch influenced by large-scale industrial and capitalist con-cepts. the industrialization process in Germany took shapemore slowly compared, say, with France but with lessgovernmental presence.

Again, compared with other countries, the former social re-sponsibility of the head of a handicraft firm, i.e. the mastercraftsman, laid down in the guild regulations, has likewiseturned out to be a positive tradition. Admittedly, the setting-tip of the social security system in Germany was politicallymotivated because Reich Chancellor Bismarck wanted topre-empt and counteract social unrest. Even so, social poli-cy was so firmly enshrined in the old regulations governingthe craft trades that it did not have to be artificially created:the experience already gained provided a valuable basis forits development.

The crafts also played an emotionally-positive role, espe-cially in music and literature, which cannot be said of othereconomic sectors. Richard Wagner's opera The Master-singers of Nuremberg is an internationally-famous exam-ple of this. Numerous German folksongs are concernedwith travelling journeymen and their duty to look aroundand learn in their own country or abroad, linked with the"sorrow of separation from their loved ones". The years ofapprenticeship and travel also play an important part in lit-erature as illustrated by the novels and other narrative

works of such famous German authors as Goethe andEichendorff.

The reference to traditions, of course., must not te.npt us toconclude that the crafts have now lost their raison d'etreas a result of modern computer - controlled productionprocesses. The handicraft sector continues to provide thevocational training process with a wide variety of incen-tives. Both in the manufacture of individual items suchas in the case of joiners and locksmiths and industrial de-sign such as in the building sector and not least in themaintenance and repair of finished industrial goods, theskilled trades continue to play an important economic rolewhich will be dealt with in the following indiviOaal con-tributions.

It is for this reason that such a highly German phenome-non as the development of the craft trades can be instru-mental in initiating discussion on economic order and theorganization of the vocational training system comparedwith other countries. The fact that the crafts do not onlydepend entirely on manual skill, but also on the demand-ing combination of head (design), hand (execution) andheart (commitment) possibly explains why the old adage"Handwerk hat goldenen Bode'?" still applies in Germanytoday. 1:1

Dr. Dieter W. Benecke(Chairman of Inter Naiiones)

4 3

The Skilled Crafts in QermanyTraining system and professional prospects

Volker Thomas

The economic and social importanceof the crafts today

ql

They provide component parts for thinz: isn't working, preferably atthe American "Spacelab". They once.make decorative banisters in pre-cious woods. They mend shoes, re-pair washing machines, cover roofs.Everyone needs them and if some-

4

We arc talking about skilled crafts-men, of "Handwerk ". in Germany.There are craft trades in all the coon-

tries on earth, jobs requiring manualskill. And yet. the definition of what isknown as "Handwerk" varies greatly.This is evident in the fact that more andmore foreign visitors prefer to use theGerman word "Handwerk", instead ofthe English "skilled crafts" or theFrench "metier".

What is "Handwerk"actually?

In Germany. a firm with a worktbreeof 500 persons can be just as much aHandwerksbetrieb. i.e. a skilled craftestablishment, as one with five or tenemployees. There is no statutory limitto the size of a firm. Conversely, a firmemploying six persons engaged inmass production is not allowed to callitself a Handwerksbetrieb.

And here is a further peculiarity: Ger-man skilled craft businesses are auton-omous. This is not only cheaper thanstate administration: it is also betterbecause the chambers are familiar withskilled craftsmen's problems.

There are 56 handicraft chambers inGermany to which reference will oftenhe made. They supervise the trainingof apprenticeships, hold examinationsfor journeymen and mas- r craftsmen.decide whether or not to admit newcraft trades and advise individual firmson operational or further training mat-ters.

This represents a large measure ofprivate autonomy: it is the chambers.not the state, which are responsiblefor everything to do with Handwerk.Anyone who is not a member of thechambers cannot set up a Hand-

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With innovations and inventions, modern skilled crafts continue a tradition which has existed since the Middle

Ages Photo: Hans-Joachim Bartsch

werksbetrieb, i.e. a skilled craft busi-ness, in Germany. The role of thestate is restricted to legal supervi-sion.

A long tradition

In the late Middle Ages. the first freemunicipal citizens established Ziinfie.i.e. guilds, to rid themselves of the pre-dominance of the feudal aristocracy.As a result of their diligence, they laidthe foundations of the prosperity oftowns and cities. Their claim to have asay in the destiny of the communityrepresented the point of departure forthe development of modern democt a-cy.

With their inventions and innova-tions, the modern skilled trades are

continuing a tradition which has ex-isted since the Middle Ages. Even inthe pre-industrial age, all technical in-ventions and renovations came fromartisan workshops. Large German en-terpristn: often emerged from suchworkshops in the 19th century. Thebrand lithe; "Made in Germany" be-came the hallmark of quality on theworld markets.

The optical workshops of Carl Zeissand Ernst Abbe in Jena. for instance,grew into the international company ofZeiss-Optik.

Ernst Lent laid the foundations for theI .eica Works in Wetilar. world famousfor its cameras. Motor-vehicle produc-tion in Germany has its origins for themost part in the workshops of GottliebDaimler and Carl Beni in Stuttgart.

6

The music instrument industry wasfounded by Heinrich Steinweg andMatthias Rohner. The sewing machines, which Michael Pfaff oncemanufactured in his workshop in Kai-serslautern, arc used throughout theworld today. Last but not least, OttmarMergenthaler. a compositor who emi-grated from Germany in the late 19thcentury, operated the first linotypeprinting machines in New York.

Dynamic change

Today, many craft shops have devel-oped into typical industrial enterprises

and have thus departed from thehandicraft sector. At the same time.new skilled craft businesses are con-stantly emerging or adjusting to thechanging conditions.

5

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-11,21.11

Training is carried out mostly in productive work which lowers the firm'scosts and enhances motivation

Forging, pottery and weaving, for ex-ample, have long since been replacedby industrial production processes.Even so. one craft trade has remained:the manufacture of individual, artisti-cally-designed items or those speciallyordered. A blacksmith seldom shoeshorses nowadays, but he does coinplete orders for banisters or gardengates. There is a demand for this.

Other trades have changed the workthey perform and thus their occupa-tional image. The job of bodymaker,for example, has developed from thatof cartwright, the trade of gas fitterand plumber from that of locksmith.Completely new trades came into be-ing in the train of technical develop-ment: photographer. motor mechanicand electrician, central heating andventilation engineers, electrician.This reveals how flexibly the crafttrades arc able to adjust to technicaldevelopment and push it yet furtherahead on their own initiative. In coop-eration with the local Fachhoch-sclude (college for higher profession-al training), the Koblenz Chamber ofHandicraft is familiarizing heatingengineers with various heat-exchangeprocesses using solar collectors.There may soon he a new trade of so-lar engineer.

6

Photo: Ausserhofer

The craft trades in figures

Today. the craft trades represent themost versatile economic sector in Ger-many. Craft enterprises cover tnt. re-quirements in the way of deliveriesand service for private consumers. in-dustry and commerce, as well as thepublic sector. They are able to cater forindividual demand with a differentiat-ed provision of services.

The 766,000 small and medium-sizedcraft businesses (position: Spring1994) form the core of the Germaneconomy. They typify the Mittelstaud,i.e. middle class. to which most enter-prises belong.

The craft businesses in Germany em-ploy a total of 5.3 million persons. In1994, master craftsmen trained570,000 apprentices. In this context,more training places were offered thancould he taken up in the western part ofthe Federal Republic as opposed to thenew Bum/es/under (federal states)where there is still a shortage of ap-prenticeships.

The annual turnover of all handicraftand similar firms in Germany amount-ed to DM 684 billion in 1993. That is

almost a quarter of the overall net do-mestic product (the sum of all domes-tic commodities and services after de-duction of the advance payments ofconsumed goods).

The importanceof the skilled crafts in thenew Bundeslander

The craft trades have developed intothe engine of the upswing in the new,i.e. East German. Bundeslander (fed-eral states), and, in the five years sinceGerman unification, become the majoreconomic factor.

According to the ZDH (Central Asso-ciation of the German Handicrafts),the number of persons employed in thecrafts sectc,r in the new Bundeslanderincreased from 426,0(X) in 1989 toover 1.1 million in 1993. This meansthat every sixth person was employedin this sector at the end of 1993.

During the same period (1989--c.:.), thenumber of craft businesses from85,000 to 138,500. They train the ma-jority of apprentices in the new Bun-deslander. The ZDH estimates thatthere were approx. 50,000 new inden-tures in 1994, i.e. 20 % more than theprevious year. The total number of ap-prentices in the new Bundeslandercame to 113.843; young persons at theend of 1993. By comparison, this fig-ure was just under 32,000 in 1990.

True, the situation is still strained: thedemand for places exceeds availabili-ty. Even so. the Lander (states) and thehandicraft chambers are making greatefforts to provide all young persons.who have failed to obtain an appren-ticeship, with a place at their own in-ter-plant training centres.

Overall, according to surveys made bythe handicraft chambers, the mood ispositive. In 1994, craft firms achieveda turnover increase of alrut,:;! 7%. Thehectic phase of setting tit; new firmswhilst many others were smultare-ously closing down seems to he over.The opportunities for numerous new

7ft businesses to consolidate and es-

Skilled crafts

tablish sound foundations are increas-ing.

The ZDH sees one great problem,however: the large number of employ-ees who have not been properly regis-tered in Germany and the growingnumber of workers coming from theother EU member states. German jobshave been lost because of this develop-ment. This not only applies to the newBundeskinder although. there, it is par-ticularly conspicuous in the buildingtrade. The labour costs of employeesfrom, say. Portugal. are often 50%cheaper and have led to a distortion ofcompetitive conditions to which manysmall and medium-sized firms have al-ready fallen victim. The ZDH wouldlike to see a European directive withregard to the dispatch of employeesand demands that foreign workers inGermany he paid according to Germanconditions.

The environment and thecrafts - a new market

Anyone who has learnt his tradeknows how to satisfy customers de-manding environment friendly prod-ucts. And they are on the increase. Theenvironment-conservation market isbecoming a lucrative business sector.

For some time now, training and fur-ther training has attached great valueto the ecological factor. Painters andvarnishers are learning how to handlewater-soluble paints and solvent-freewood preservatives. Heating and air-

onditioning engineers arc familiariz-ing themselves with energy-savingmethods and solar technology.

The environment ensures turnover.Motor-vehicle-workshops earn on thenew special exhaust-emission controlwhich is compulsory for cars annually.The thermal protection and energy-saving regulations, designed to reducethe emission of carbon dioxide, haveprovided the building and develop-ment trade with new market opportu-nities. The planned regulations for therecycling of old cars and computerscrap are offering motor-vehicle work-

Bookbinder and apprentice

shops, radio and television engineers,and office-information electronic ex-perts, with new opportunities of em-ployment.

Today, the environmental conserva-tion sector already accounts for 14% ofthe total turnover of craft firms. True.the occupation of "supply and dispos-al expert" has now been established inthe technical environmental protectionsector. The work is concerned withwater works, sewage farms and rub-bish dumps.

Even so, environmental protection isnow an integral part of craft firms'commitments. This seems to be par-ticularly the case as far as young mas-ter craftsmen are concerned. A sur-vey of 700 new master craftsmen ofthe 1993/94 year group, conductedby the Chamber of Handicrafts inKoblenz, revealed that 72% of the re-spondents want to use environment-friendly raw materials and manufac-ture in an environment-conservingmanner. 10% are even planning thedevelopment of environment-com-patible products.

A concrete example of this is providedby the Chamber of Handicrafts in Dtis-seldorl. It is dispatching energy andwaste management consultants into

the craft films. And at its environment

'1,

Photo: Ausserhotcr

centre it constantly presents craft busi-nesses which are operating in a partic-ularly energy-conserving and environ-ment-friendly manner.

Motor mechanic isthe favouriteapprenticeship trade

The most popular crafttrades among young personsin Germany are motor mechan-ic, hairdresser and elec-trician. At a nationwidefigure of 25,000 newly con-cluded articles of appren-ticeship in 1993, the occu-pation of motor mechanic istop of the charts once more.In 1994, however, the numberof new motor-mechanic in-dentures dropped by 9.1%compared with the previousyear. In the electricalskilled trade sector, on theother hand, there was an in-crease. The number of newapprenticeships in thiscraft was 7.8% greater thanin 1992.

The largest growth rateswere in the building trade.There were 35.4% more newapprenticeships for the oc-cupation of roofer and 21.5%more for the bricklayer'strade. The carpenter and (lasand water engineer tradesalso experienced increasesof: over 10%.

BEST COPY AVAILABLE7

Training

Training and new blood in the craft trades sector

The dual system

One of the most important functions ofGerman Handwerk is the training ofyoung persons embarking on their ca-reer. By tradition, the craft trades traintheir own young blood. The length oftraining and organization is regulatedby the Handicrafts Code and the 1969Vocational Training Act. According-ly, young persons are trained with a"dual system". This means that an ap-prentice also known as "trainee"receives practical on-the-job instruc-tion. He also goes two or three times aweek to a vocational school. There helearns the theoretical basis of his ap-prenticeable trade and receives generaleducation, too. Trade instruction ac-count., for about two-thirds of the in-struction. the remainder being devotedto general education.

On-the-job training takes place in theconditions and with the machines andfacilities which correspond to the stateof the art. As a result, a trained workercan subsequently take on a qualifiedjob immediately. A useful side-effect:training is mostly carried out in pro-ductive work. This lowers the costs forthe training firm and enhances the mo-tivation to learn.

Small and medium-sized firms. whichare not in a position to teach all theskills required by a particular crafttrade such as the lack of specific ma-chines, for example or which wantemployees to specialize, can, if they sowish, send their apprentices to addi-tional courses at inter-plant trainingcentres. Alternatively, apprentices cancomple;:: parts of their training in otherfirms.

The standardized "dual system" hasone great advantage: the same direc-tives apply nationwide. In other words.a goldsmith. who has learnt his trade inMunich, can move to Hamburg orCottbus without having to take furtherexaminations: the same training prin-ciples arc valid throughout Germany.

8

This provides the craft trades withcomplete mobility.

The responsibility for this "dual sys-tem" rests on two shoulders: the Fed-eral Ministry of Economics is respon-sible for on -thc -joh training and theBundeslunder for the vocationalschools. The reason? The modern in-dustrial society is dependent on differ-entiated availability of training. A cen-trally-organized school system wouldbe too cumbersome for such demand-ing requirements. Consequently, thefederal structure provides an ideal op-portunity to promote and develop theindividual skills and inclinations of allyoung persons.

Every skilled trade has its own trainingregulations. These are drawn up joint-ly by the handicraft associations, aca-demic bodies and the trade unions. TheFederal Minister of Education. Sci-ence. Research and Technology iscalled in for the preparation of the finalversion. All vocational training regu-lations contain binding stipulations on:

1. the length of training,2. the job description of the appren-

ticeable trade, i.e. the skills andknowledge which trainees have tobe taught,

3. the training framework, the the-matic and chronological pattern ofskills and knowledge,

4. the examination requirements.

The regulations can be more flexiblyapplied in the case of apprentices whowish to further qualify beyond theirtrade training, such as acquiring Ab-itur, i.e. university entrance qualifica-tion. The managerial assistant modelofThrs this opportunity.

The training of apprentices

An old German ,adage claims that"Handwerk hat goldenen Baden" i.e.a trade in hand finds gold in eN cryland. The binding directives for the

training of apprentices are designed tosafeguard the quality of craftmanshipand combat competition from industryand other countries.

The Vocational Training Act for theHandicrafts was 25 years old in 1994.The apprenticeships offered embracethe industrial-technical and commer-cial occupptions. In all, there are 127different apprenticeable trades in theskilled crafts sector. They are dividedinto seven groups:

I. Building and finishing trade2. Metal trade3. Wood trace4. Clothing, textile and leather trade5. Food trade6. Health-care and hygiene trade, the

chemical and dry-cleaning trade7. Glass. paper, ceramic and other

trades

A further 50 craft trades are allocatedto special groups within the organiza-tion of the handicrafts.

Some of the skilled trades, of course.arc not very popular. Very few schoolleavers want to he butchers, bakers.painters or varnishers. In this context.the level of remuneration is an influ-ential factor. A baker's apprentice.for instance, only earns a monthlysum of DM 570 net. This tempts veryfew persons to learn their trade at theovens of the 24,700 bakeries in Ger-many. At a net income of DM 1300 amonth, the bricklayers, on the otherhand. top the scale of monthly earn-ings. For this reason, many foregotheir dream job of motor-vehicle me-chanic which continues to enjoy firstplace among future apprentices in thecraft trades.

Training in the craft trades is becom-ing increasingly popular. Abintrienten(persons who have acquired their Ab-/furl in particular, are entering the crafttrade sector more and more. The rea-son for this is the increasingly-difficultuniversity entrance conditions, on the

Training

one hand, and the rapidly-dwindlingprofessional opportunities for youngacademics, on the other. Consequent-ly, many Abiturienren choose to firstcomplete a course of trade training,putting off commencement of studiesto a later date.

Craft-trade training names the follow-ing basic requirements to learn a crafttrade: dexterous hands, technical un-derstanding, creative ability and a cre-ative mind.

Depending on the trade in question,training lasts from three to three-and-a-half years. The period of apprentice-ship can he shortened (but not to lessthan two years) or extended.

In the first year of training, apprenticesreceive a broadly-spanned vocationalfoundation. It is not until the secondyear that they start to specialize moreand more for a particular craft trade. Inthis second year. training is often stillprovided for several occupations si-multaneously. The acquirement of askilled craft qualification permits ap-prentices to practise a particuhir pro-fession. The better the training, thebetter qualified the subsequent crafts-man.

The responsible minister usually theFederal Minister of Economics is-sues training regulations for every sin-gle occupation. These set out the man-datory pattern to he followed by thetraining course. The requirements arebased on those of the professional andworking world. They are, in fact. min-imum requirements which. as a resultof rapid technical development. haveto he constantly re-examined and re-vised. The aim is to adapt training asquickly as possible to new develop-ments. Furthermore. these vocationalprofiles guarantee a uniform trainingstandard for all apprentices learning atrade in Germany

Who is allowedto provide training?

Only firms with instructors who arequalified to teach their particular trade

Master baker in the bakery

4":e.r,'%44,1_

1

Photo: V. Gratingholt

lt;The basic requirements to learn a skilled craft are dexterous hands and tech-nical understanding now: Damkin/ Held

are allowed to provide training cours-es. In addition. the firms themselvesmust meet the requirements of thetraining regulations. They must havethe necessary technical installations orhe in a position to have an apprenticetrained in a firm It high has the requiredequipment.

n

From apprenticeto journeyman

The final examination at a vocationalschool and the journeyman's examina-tion before an examination committeeof the handicraft chamber round offthe multi-year apprenticeship.

l)

Training

The examination committee consistsof at least three persons. It is made upof representatives of the employers,employees and the vocational schools.The committee is formed for a periodof thrt.-e years. The apprentices are on-ly examined if their period of traininghas been properly concluded, all nre-scribed intermediate examinationshave been successfully completed andtheir report books correctly kept.

The examination consists of two parts:a pr: ctical section, with the so-called"journeyman's piece" a joiner, for

stance, must submit a perfectly-made chair, a varnisher a flawlessly-varnished workpiece and a theoreti-cal .ssxtion.

The master craftsman'sexamination

The next step-up in the handicraft sec-tor is the master craftsman's examina-tion. The latter is voluntary, not oblig-atory, but is nevertheless muchsought-after. The number of those at-tending master craftsman's courses isgrowing steadily.

There are various reasons for youngwould-be master craftsmen wanting totake this examination. More than halfof all those following a master crafts-man's course want to set up shop ontheir own and build up an independentexistence. Furthermore. the examina-tion is the highest official diploma, i.e.qualification, in the handicraft sectorand the title of "Meister". i.e. mastercraftsman, enjoys great prestige inter-nationally.

The master craftsman's examinationconsists of four parts. Parts 1 and 2 re-quire evidence of practical and theo-retHil knowledge in the trade con-cerned. Parts 3 :Ind 4 call for interdis-ciplinary skills. A future mastercraftsman must show that he is wellversed in business and legal matters,and has instructional competence inboth the vocational and work sectors.The examinations have to he complet-ed within a period of five years. Theexaminees can attend courses run by

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the handicraft chambers and master-craftsman schools on a full or part-time basis. Depending on the trade inquestion, 3 to 7 months is prescribedfor the practical and theoretical sec-tions of the examination. For theinterdisciplinary examination, thewould-be master craftsman mustreckon on a period of 10 weeks to 9months. The master craftsman's ex-amination is designed to ascertainwhether the examinee is capable ofmanaging a craft establishment andtraining apprentices in a proper man-ner.

Something of interest for statisticians:every second new master craftsmancomes from the metalwork sector, everythird from the building and finishingtrade. Then comes a large gap until onecomes to the trades in the health-careand hygiene group and the wood trade.

In 1993/94, the average age of newly-qualified master craftsmen was 30.This could be lower in future. The new1993 handicraft regulations haveeased access to the master craftsman'sexamination. The chambers cannot de-mand more than three year work expe-rience as the basic condition for the ex-amination. This means that anyonewho has passed his journey's examina-tion, can take the master craftsman'sexamination after two or two-and-a-half years.

By means of this amendment it is

hoped that the average age of newmaster craftsmen will drop and that the26 to 30-year-old group will be em-harking on master craftsman's coursesto a greater extent than hitherto. At thesame time, the number of mastercraftsmen with a better educationalbackground is constantly growing.Whereas only every fifth master-craftsman candidate had Mittlere Reife(Intermediate School Certificate) inthe 1986/87 year group. it was alreadyevery third in the 1993/94 year group.The number of Rea/shide (intermedi-ate School) pupils and Abiturienten al-ready accounts I'm . Comparedwith the educational background of theapprentices, this group is clearly over-represented.

The Federal Institute of VocationalTraining, however, has drawn atten-tion to the fact that the market for mas-ter craftsmen is limited. Anyone wish-ing to set up on his own can qualify inother ways. Many vocational and tech-nical schools offer courses in the newtechnological sectors. They train per-sons, for example. in automation engi-neering, control engineering (hydrau-lics, electropneumatics. programma-ble control-engineering storage or sta-'istic process control). The Federal In-stitute views this as a stabilization ofthe "dual system".

11

Legal Basis:the Handicrafts Code

The Handicrafts Regulation Act cameinto force en 17 September 1953. It en-shrines the legal regulation of the or-ganization, training and master's ex-amination for the craft trades. In addi-tion, the law lists all skilled crafts.

The act was amended in 1965 and, al-most 30 years later, on I January 1994.the Handicrafts Code was updatedonce more. The ZDH (Central Associ-ation of German Handicrafts), the Fed-eration of German Trade Unions andthe Kolpingwerk (Catholic Associa-tion of Apprenticeable Trades) did thespade work for the act. The most im-portant signal given by the amendmentis that the master craftsman's exami-nation will he retained within theframework of the European Union'ssingle market. This is designed to safe-guard the efficiency and equal oppor-tunity of German craft firms long-term, and, in addition, to guarantee thequalified training of new blood.

The cornerstone of the new handicraftscode is the opportunity registered craftfirms now have to undertake otherski fled crafts. By means of this amend-ment, the legislators arc taking into ac-count the wish of many customers tohave "services performed by onefirm". This means:

1:-. An artisan may now do work per-formed by other skilled trades pro-vided it compleraem . the service

Training

Master hairdresser and customer

he offers technically, professional-ly and economically.

D An artisan must apply for permis-sion before he can also performother skilled work. He must, how-ever, offer proof of the requiredknowledge and skills to do so.Accord' tt to the new regulationsartisans may perform work otherthan that of their particular tradewhich is economically related totheir own. The manager of the craftfirm, however, must possess the re-quired qualifications for the spe-cialist work.The requirements for the relatedcrafts have been relaxed. It is nowpossible to combine certaintrades.

The combining of certain craft trades.however, is not undisputed. As far astraining is concerned, it is feared thatthe requirements have now grown tosuch an extent that an apprenticeshipof three to three-and-a-half vears isnot long enough to he able to learn asecond craft trade on the side, so tospeak. Furthermore, the ZDH pointsout that, in the industrial-technicaloccupations, in particular. a high lev-el of theory has now been reached asa result of rapid technological devel-opment without which even minor

Photo: V. Grafinghott

services can frequently not he mas-tered.

Further trainingin the skilled crafts

Occupational further training is im-portant for craft firms, for artisansthemselves and society at large. Afterall, German industry, with its highproduction and wage costs is depend-ent on a high level of productivity andoutstanding quality of goods to main-tain its position in world trade.

Consequently, continued vocationaltraining is of crucial importance tokeep industry at an efficient level.However, because firms in the skilledcrafts sector are small, further train-ing presents difficulties. As a result, itmust, to some extent, he undertakenduring free time.

Specialized knowledge and ability canbecome quickly outdated unless theyare updated and further developed.Further training helps artisans to safe-guard their professional competence.Moreover, such training is essential ifemployees are to take on tasks involv-ing other or more advanced require-ments.

12

Thus, apart from offering artisans theopportunity to adapt and update theirskills and knowledge. continued train-ing also provides the basis for profes-sional advancement and, consequent-ly, improved social status and, ofcourse, a larger income. It is not leastfor this reason that craft firms arc in-terested in promoting qualified staffand putting them in respo...,ible posi-tions.

To ensure that the practical relevanceis preserved, continued training is un-dertaken first and foremost within thefirm, mainly at the workplace. The useof interplant or non-plant facilitiesplays only a secondary role. In view ofthe growing demand for further train-ing, cooperation between firms and in-terplant training centres will, of neces-sity, likewise increase. Cooperationbetween industry and universities andFachhochschulen (colleges for higherprofessional training) will also be ofdecisive importance in future. In addi-tion, the staff and special resources ofthe vocational schools are also madeuse of.

The costs of continued training, basedon the facility concerned. are borne bythe firms, the public purse. the FederalInstitute of Labour or by the traineesthemselves. Craft firms are investingheavily in continued training: overDM 50 billion in the last two years.

Foreignersin the handicraft sector

The number of foreign young personsin the crafts sectc,r is increasing stead-ily. According to the ZDII, the craftssector has now become the major in-structor for young foreigners. In 1993,more than 55.000 young foreign na-tionals completed a handicraft appren-ticeship. This represents almost 10c/of all apprentices in the Germanskilled crafts sector.

Admin. 14 years old, wanted to rte amotor mechanic. In one firm, howev-er, they said he needed to he good inmathematics and physics and "I'mnot", he says. What can he done to

help? The Federal Institute of Labourhas set up a special programme withcourses and coaching fx disadvan-taged and less able yo..flg persons. It isofficially known as "ConcomitantTraining Assistance" (ahH). In partic-ular, it is designed to motivate youngforeigners, as well as those with prob-lematic family backgrounds.

Young aliens are especially well rep-resented in the metal and electricaltrades. Most young foreign craft ap-prentices come from Turkey (about42c% ), followed by young personsfrom former Yugoslavia and Italians.

The ZDH comments positively on for-eign apprentices, stating that most ofthem display exceptional talent in thecraft trades. The balance sheet of theannual "Practical German YouthCompetition in the Handicrafts" con-firms this: young foreigners are oftento he found on the winners' rostrum atchamber, state and national level.

Craft training for slowlearners

Purposeful concepts are being evolvedin the handicraft sector to give educa-tionally subnormal young persons theopportunity to learn a trade. The Asso-ciation of German Chambers of Hand-icraft Trades has made a start in Nu-remberg with a pilot training schemefor young persons with learning diffi-culties in the following trades: painterand varnisher, metalworker, gas andwater fitter. The working daily roundof the young persons was systemati-cally planned with the personal com-mitment and instruction on the part ofthe training staff and a special on-the-job training plan. In this way. theyoung persons are to be integrated andtheir training organized in a more read-ily comprehensible manner. Theseyoung persons most of whom havefailed to acquire a Hauptschulab-.110, i.e. Main School Certificatearc given greater opportunities in thehandicrafts than in other sectors. In the1992/93 training year alone, 6.2% ofall new indentures was accounted forby young slow learners.

12

(

-

During the course of technological development, new skilled crafts havesprung up. Radio and television engineer Photo: D. Grtifingholt

The organizationof the handicrafts

"The German dual system of vocation-al training an export hit" "Handi-crafts chamber as development helperin Africa and Asia" "The autonomyof the handicrafts takes the strain offthe state". This is how the skilled craftsand their organization make front-page news in Germany time and again.This organization is a structure whichhas grown over many decades and hasproved its worth as a regulative frame-work.

Craft firms are all members of guildswhich join together in the districtcraftsmen's associations. In turn, thelatter combine in the handicraft cham-bers which meet together at nationallevel in the ZDH (Central Associationof German Handicrafts). The ZDHrepresents the overall interests of thecraft trades vis-a-vis the Binidestag,the Federal Government. the EuropeanUnion and international organizations.From its head office in Bonn, it coor-dinates the uniform policy formationof its associations.

The handicraft chambers advise craftfirms on technical. managerial, finan-cial and legal matters. They keep the

13

Handwerksrelle. i.e. a register of allcraft firms in Germany, and monitorvocational training. The handicraftchambers are all combined in the As-sociation of German Chambers ofHandicraft Trades (DHKT).

The Land (state) guild associationsrepresent the professional interests ofthe individual craft trades. They arecombined in the National Federationof German Handicraft Associations( EH ).

Professionalprospects

On concluding his three tothree-and-a-half years oftraining, the apprenticehas to take the journey-man's examination. Anyonewho has passed this exami-nation can take the mastercraftsman's examinationafter two or two-and-a-halfyears. As a master crafts-man he can either set up hisown or continue to work inthe employ of a handicraftfirm. There are numerousin-training and continuedtraining facilities forprofessional advancementand greater opportunitiesof earning a larger income.

Examples of skilled crafts

Examples of skilled crafts

The examples -tiere kindly made available by the Koblenz Chamber of Handicraft and are taken fromtheir catchment area. As we cannot present all 56 chambers of handicraft (addresses are given in theappendix), we have chosen one which with its training centre (Metal and Technology Centre, Koblenz)

is one of the most distinguished and modern facilities in Europe. We would like to thank the Hand-icraft Chamber and its press office for their excellent cooperation.

Thilo Schwarz ( 20 ),honouree; as Ger-

many's best youngglass and window-titter in 1993, will

carry on running a370-year-old firm.

Photo: hy, k- Koblenz

Glass has a binding qualityThe work of generations: 370-year-old handicraft firm

"May God protect the vine, may Godprotect the wine. may the hail smashthe window panes!" With this saying,the glazier and window-fitter tradehoped for a sound work basis in formertimes. This saying was confirmed inthe case of Messrs Schwarz, a glazierfamily from Holzappel (Rhine-LahnCounty): every generation has hadcrough to do since the firm's founda-t:ua in 1624.

Reimund Schwarz is Number Ten in thegeneration list. Thilo, his son, the best up-

and-coming young German glazier in au-tumn 1993, will continue the work of hisforefathers. How is he going to handlethe 370-year-old family tradition?

r,

"Just fine. To think about it everyday.however, would he a waste of time.With my training and daily work, Iam well prepared to carry on runningthe firm." Although they can lookback on centuries of tradition,Reimund and Thilo Schwarz are con-cerned with the future. Investmentmust be made in new productionplant. operations in the firm must hestream lined. "Technical standstillwould mezn the end of the firm soon-er or later!"

Neither are such thoughts in Holzappelprompted by the economic recessionin recent years. The glazier firm ofSchwarz did not suffer a trough. Not

14

one of their staff had to be dismissed.their order hook is Red for monthsahead. Is there a secret to their suc-cess? "No. As a craftsman you are in-volved too much in your work and ex-perience everything at close range.Fluctuations arc consequently recog-nizable at an early stage!" says

Reimund, describing the firm's philos-ophy.

Whether it is a matter of thermoglassfor private house-building in Frankfurtor bullet-proof glass for the uk's-trrhu in Cologne the family-ownedglazier and window-fitting firm willcontinue to make history with its ex-tensive range.

13

Examples of skilled crafts

Surfer and sailmaker

At home on the world's oceans - successful in an unusual craft

Hawaii, China. Hong Kong. the Baha-mas: the world of professional surfer.hoard and sail specialist Heinz Studlekis large. Sails need a lot of canvas inthe breakers: in the proximity of theequator the material must he ultravio-let- resistant.

"Every surfing area requires a specialsail." says Heinz.

The surfing sails by this 35-year-old artisan and active sportsman are"custom-made", i.e. made by handand cut to the customer's special re-quirements unlike industrial pro-duction in the Far East which ac-counts for 95% of world produc-tion. This is why the young crafts-man entrepreneur specializes in re-pairs.

Dealers and surfers from all over Ger-many send their triangular sails to thehighly experienced cloth specialistwho repairs and returns them within 24hours.

He completes up to 3.000 repairs ayear. The manufacture of his own.new sails is modest in comparison:50 a year and all individual orders."We can t compete with mass pro-duction in the Far East priccwise. Weonly make sails on order," says thesurfsail-maker. These individual or-ders cost between DM 800 and 1300each.

Heinz learned his trade at the haute&oh, of sailmaking. i.e. under MontySpindler, one of the world's top saildesigners.

The materials used are foil, PVC'and sailcloth which are sewn to-gether in varying combination, de-pending on the type of sail. Thenew monofiltn- foi I is stronger thancloth (50'/ less stretching at thesante weight ) and does not absorbwater.

14

\-k

Vo.

The combination of (sporting) verveand craftsmanship are responsiblefor the success of this small but prof-

t?:

/II

itable handicraft firm. Thoughts arenow being given to taking on addi-tional staff.

Personal surf-ingexperienceis incorpo-rated in thisyoung skilledcraftsman'swork: HeinzStudlek re-pairs andmakes surfingsails.

Photo:

I lolger Kern

A challenge

Hoppen's wrought-iron workshop restores the CologneCathedral cross

The small parish of Leubsdorf inNeuwied County is probably knownto very few people outside the re-gion. Even so, the village is one ofthe first addresses when qualitywrought-iron work is sought after.

15

for it is here that Sebastian Hoppenhas his workshop.

It was therefore not by chance that thismetal worker in the wrought -iron sec-tor was commissioned to protect the

Examples of skilled crafts

bronze cross on the chancel roof of Co-logne Cathedral the cross is one ofthe largest and oldest of its typeagainst wind and weather.

The cross. which has an outer coveringof gold. was probably made around theyear 1300. It is much older than otherparts of this Gothic cathedral. Al-though the building of the latter beganin the mid-13th century. it was notcompleted until 1880. 8.70 metreshigh and 2 metres in spherical diame-ter. the cross "towers- over the city.

"Within three months, we had giventhe cross a general overhaul and aprimer, then we gave it two coats ofplatinum gold. At least three men wereworking on it simultaneously," Hop-pen recalls.

The chancel cross, however, is not theonly thing the experts from Leuhsdorfhave completed in this internationallyfamous House of God. "My father wasworking here 35 years ago." Hoppentells us.

This wrought-iron craftsman knowsthe value of highly qualified staff forhis firm. "The work of my journey-men often equals or even surpasses

1._2011,

the quality of masterpieces," saysHoppen proudly. The fact that thisstatement is by no means an exagger-ation is confirmed by an oversizedcandle-holder which was recentlygiven as a present by the CamillusNuns from Ashach /Westerwald toPope John Paul II.

The candle-holder, which was

designed by Hoppen. symbolizescharity and the Holy Trinity. The can-dle-holder was made with a great dealof time and energy by MatthiasSchneider. This wrought-iron jour-

Generating electricity on the spotCraftsmen with regenerative energy on new paths

a._

'""..111rz

neyman is one of Hoppen's staff ofeleven. In more than 100 workinghours, he completed an object whichfulfils all the requirements of goodwrought-iron work. Nothing was sol-dered. All joints were turned, mor-tised or bonded.

The 37-year-old craftsman forged thesurfaces so precisely that there are novisible hammermarks. He also dis-pensed with artificial dents which lay-men assume time and again are the"hallmark" of a successful piece ofwork.

Years ago the offer of "electricity with-out cable connection" would have beengiven a sceptical reception as complete-ly bogus. Today. "mobile current" isnothing unusual But the WerksiiiuenElektro- und Fernmeldehau from a-

chenburg in the Westerwald took a fur-ther step. Apart from the laying and in-stallation of telephone and electric ca-bles, generation of power "on the spot"has also established itself in the firmthanks to sun and wind.

Five years ago. the firm, which wasfounded in 1949, adopted new means

15

Examples of skilled crafts

of eletricity-supply with solar andwind enero. Since, up to that time, theconventional supply of power via ca-ble was the only way of guaranteeingremote places with the "magic juice",mastercraftsman and head of firm UweHummrich experimented with the at-tempt of harnessing nature's energy onthe spot. For some years, for example,regenerative energy on a limited scalehas been used in solar pocket calcula-tors and watches. But the Westerwaldexperts were thinking in greater di-mensions. We are travelling along onAutobahn 61 from Mainz in the direc-

Acoustic handicraft

lion of Bonn. The task: installation ofa traffic-control system. For this pur-pose, a large number of "counter-cy-cles- are required to register thenumber and speed of vehicles.

Cabling the autobahn costs DM 100per metre. At DM 17.000 each, thecombined solar-wind mini-power sta-tions offer a financial alternative.Once set up. an installation of this typegenerates and stores electricity main-tenance-free, even in those cases

where sun and wind are a rare com-modity.

Jazz musician Larry Coryell swears by a "Gose"

Georg Gose. the "Master of PluckedString Instruments" from Koblenz, gotto know Larry Coryell. the American"Master" of swing and jazz at theFrankfurt Music Fair. Why was LarryCoryell so fascinated by the "GoseGuitar?-

"My guitar resembles the French jar!.gmitars produced by the well-knownfirms of Macaferri and Jac Favino inthe 1930s. The sound has changed andis so versatile that you can play swingof every type, hossanova and evenclassical pieces,- Georg Gose ex-plains. His jai./ guitars cost betweenDM 2.800 and 7.000.

Anyone visiting his one-man work-shop is surprised by his storekeeping.Wood everywhere you look. Goodwood is the basic requirement for agood instrument. He makes his guitarsfrom naturally-dried wood which hasseasoned for 15 to 20 years. He usesmaple, walnut and palisander ftw thehack and sides, pine or cedar for thesoundboard and mainly mahogany forthe neck.

Without exception. every instrumentis handmade. Soundboard and hackare made from one piece of wood in

16

each case. The pieces are then jointed.planed. polished and glued together tothe desired strength. The neck is

shaped from rough wood.

It is narrower and longer than a classi-cal guitar. This guarantees greaterspeed and room for solo work. MasterCraftsman Gore attaches great impor-tance to a flawless mechanism. Heuses corrugated steel to prevent thestrings slipping. Georg Gose takes 80hours to make a guitar. "It is impossi-

4

The only reservation is its maximumcapacity of 350 watts. Were the invest-ments in this innovative technology inresearch and development not too ven-turesome for a medium-sized firm?Uwe Hummrioh dismisses this on thegrounds that experience has alreadybeen gained with wind and current-wheel constructions used for naviga-tion. "The beacons in the sea-lanesfunction in a similar fashion to ourmethod. Why shouldn't mini-powerstations likewise function on an auto-bahn or a main road ...?" The successhas proved this future technology right.

hie to make a highly sensitive jazz in-strument as if it were piecework. Thisis why the time it takes to manufacturea guitar is spread over two months," heexplains.

Georg Gose's occupation is his pas-sion. "There's a hit of me in everyinstrument. You can't measure thatin hours and money.- he says. He isunderstandably proud of the factthat Larry Coryell swears by a"Close-.

4.

17

Examples of skilled crafts

Machine-building in single-piece constructionFrom a room-sized workshop to a modern craft enterprise of international standing

This is whatmodern,dynamic

handicraftlooks like.

Messrs Stiirtzhas grown bit

by bit.

Photo: htt I.- Koblenz

"CIM -structured, modular-designedmanufacturing systems" is the nameof what the I 50-stronv. workforce atMessrs Stiirtz in the hamlet of Rottnear Neuwied-on-Rhine producesand sells worldwide: window-manu-facturing plants. confectionery ma-chines, packaging and boxing ma-chines. The interlinking of the wholefirm by means of computers plays amajor part in this connection. CIM isthe acronym for "Computer Integrat-ed Manufacturing" and means theuse of electronic data processing inall the firm's sectors involved in pro-duction.

The know-how at Sairtz, however, issuch that it could build completely dif-ferent machines producing completelydifferent products since it is basicallyall a matter of movement. What emerg-es as a result can he changed at will.

Since 1946. when Willi Stiirtz, whorepaired the hearings in electric mu-

tors for threshing and grinding ma-chines in his 32-square-metn! work-shop. discovered an untapped market.new production branches emergedfrom his handicraft business decadeafter decade. Iron railings for bridges(Willi Stiirtz: "All the Rhine bridgesfrom Diisseldorf to Mainz"), rollersfor winding up foil. extruder ma-chines for the plastics industry, pack-aging machines, wire stitching ma-chines for the printing industry andnow window-production machines.Although they can only make theframes at the moment and cannot fitthe glass, this will soon all change.

Bit by hit the enterprise has grown,new workshops were constantly erect-ed. Next year. a further extension ofNM square metres is planned.

This, then, is a picture of modern, dy-namic handicraft. The staff arc highlyqualified artisans and have learnt theirtrade, such as metal work. from the

bottom up. Production is still soundsingle-piece manufacture. Every ma-chine leaving the factory has its ownappearance and history.

About one-third of the equipment isexported to the USA. What's the sit-uation like with regard to the Germanmarket and conditions? Are the envi-ronmental conservation requirementstoo severe? Are taxes opprnsive? Isthis family enterprise considering mi-gration'? Junior boss Stiirtz, who stud-ied business management at the Fach-hohschule (college for higher pro-fessional training) in Koblenz. states:"We operate on specifically know-how lines. This would not he possibleabroad. There, the time and energydevoted to supervision v. ould he toogreat and the wastage rate too high.We shall remain in Germany andstand up for our products ..."

Good products are conceived in themind. In handicraft, too.

17

Outlook

Financing in the handicraft sector

Compensation and support for middle-class businesses

Apart from financial help from theFederal Government and the Bun-deskinder(federal states), firms in thesmall business sector in the FederalRepublic can only turn to the banks asa source of finance, and because oftheir small size, they do not have ac-cess to the stock exchange or capitalmarkets. This is why one speaks of afunding shortfall in this business sec-tor.

The current level of bank loans in thehandicraft sector comes to about DM

130 billion. This means that, on aver-age, every craft business in Germanyhas a hank debit of DM 200,000.

To offset this disadvantage, state andsemi-state aistitutions offer financialhelp.

This assistance is centred on new busi-nesses, investments in business expan-sion, technologically oriented invest-ments, environmental investments andinvestments in regions with belowaverage economic strength.

Special institutes offer cheaper loanswhich are usually 2 to 3C% below theinterest rates of the capital market.and non-repayable subsidies of up to18% of the investment volume. Ifthey are unable to offer the requiredsecurity. firms can also obtain hankloans on the strength of guaranteesgiven by self-help institutions withstate participation. The handicraft or-ganizations advise and look aftertmember enterprises in all mattersconcerned with finance and transac-tion.

Flexible autonomous organizations within the economyThe German handicraft chambers cover a broad spectrum

Every German handicraft firm is au-tomatically a member of one of the 56chambers of handicraft.

Although the latter have the status ofpublic corporations, they neverthe-less enjoy full autonomy within theeconomy and are able to make theirown decisions completely independ-ent of state offices. Apart from busi-ness proprietors, employees also haveone-third representation in the cham-bers' organs and are involved in for-mation of policy.

The chambers' position is also ex-pressed in their funding: apart frompublic subsidies, the main sources ofincome are the contributions by themember firms and remuneration forindividual services.

The most important and statutory com-mitment of the handicraft chambers isthe promotion of the interests of thecrafts at all levels from the local

I8

community to the EU with assistancefrom the ZDH.

Consequently, as part of the handicraftorganization, they accompany the po-litical decision processes at all statelevels. Particularly in questions re-garding "small and medium-size busi-ness policy", the political sector regu-larly seeks discussion with this organ-ization.

The chambers' main work is concen-trated on services for member firms.Experts in such specialized fields asbusiness start-up, management. law,new technologies, environmental con-servation, the training system and ex-port provide handicraft firms with ad-vice free of charge. Several of thechambers organise trade fairs. themain ones being Hamburg, Koblenz.Cologne and Munich.

To this must he added public relationswork: the chambers deploy the whole

of their PR machinery to create a pos-itive image of the occupational sectorof handicraft.

The broad spectrum of the handicraftchambers' responsibilities also in-cludes:

D sovereign functions such as the ex-amination system in vocationaltraining,

D the registration of handicraft firmsand apprentices.

D. combating moonlighting.

In addition, they support public insti-tutions with t le preparation of experts'reports.

Not least. the handicraft chambers arcalso committed to development poli-cy.: in cooperation with the FederalMinistry of Economic Cooperationand Development joint projects have

19

UtIOOI(

been devised in various countries inAsia. Africa, Central and Eastern Eu-rope, which are designed to supportthe building-up of an efficient small

and medium-size business sector. Inother words, situated between thepublic and private sectors, the cham-bers cover a wide field of activities.

The variety of its commitments showsthat the legislators have found an ex-tremely flexible organizational formhere.

The individual aspect and the freedom of choice

In a pluralist society, handicraftfirms fulfil individual wishes. Eversince they have existed, the craftsreact to the individual wishes ofconsumers. The customers deter-mine the direction, individual solu-tions are the order of the day. off-the-peg products and services arethe exception.

Anyone with a special wish wheth-er it concerns accommodation, cloth-ing or food can turn to the skilledcrafts, to the highly qualified techni-cal handicrafts, to the building andfinishing sector, to the tailors, gold-and silversmiths. to the preciousstone engravers, hairdressers, bakersand butchers.

Do the skilled crafts profit from the in-dividualization of society? Were thereso few private small and medium-sized firms in the former GDR becausethe people there all had the same wish-es and needs which were easily satis-fied.by industry'?

Hardly! tt was more a case of a uni-form society being easier to controland manipulate. In other words thefreedom to realize one's own ideas andaspirations by means of personallychosen offerers is also a piece of polit-ical freedom.

How does consumer behaviour devel-op in a free and constitutional socie-ty? it goes without saying that it is a!-so influenced and manipulated here.More through publicity and marl: -l-ing rather than politically, however.The opportunities open to the skilledcrafts to influence or even determinetrends are very few in number. Con-sequently. craft firms must react veryflexibly to changes in the market andin consumer behaviour and be ableto react.

The patent i.ecipes of today are al-ready outdated tomorrow. Conse-quently, a constant examination ofbusiness concepts is essential if firmsare to survive. Even so. in principle.

Services galore

The range of tasks performed by the skilled crafts ...

There was once a well-known adver-tizing slogan in Germany: "MessrsXY are always there somewhere."And the same applies to the crafts. Itis impossible to think of everyday lifewithout them. Without skilled crafts-men, I would't have the house I livein. Without them, my car wouldn't he

repaired. my newspaper printed, andmy computer would be without"juice" if the electrician didn't pro

ide me with a trouble-free supply ofelectricity.

The work of the skilled trades is con-centrated on the manufacture of new

20

several developments can be estab-lished in consumer behaviour whichshould remain constant for the fore-seeable future. This includes the factthat the average age of the populationis increasing and older people repre-sent greater purchasing power. It alsoincludes enhanced awareness of theenvironment, an (actual or alleged)shortage of time, the need for distrac-tion from the daily round, growingconcern with health and an increasedinterest in design to mention just afew important sectors.

The handicraft sector, with its 127 oc-cupations, is well-equipped to copewith the various and changing require-ments of consumers. The amendmentto the Handicraft Law in 1994 alsoprovided individual firms with the ad-ditional opportunity of offering in-creased services. The conditions ac-cording to which the skilled craftsfunction are regulated and guaranteecontinued existence. It is up to individ-ual firms what they make of it.

products, including the installation ofnetworks and connections (electrici-ty. water, gas etc). Joiners, gold-smiths, bakers produce goods to sat-isfy daily needs which anyone canbuy. Motor mechanics, chimney-sweeps, mechanical engineering fit-ters do repairs and maintenance for

19

U 00

private and industrial customers.They are service firms.

Other craft businesses act as suppliersfor industry. such as metalworkers.electro-mechanics and toolmakers.Many large industrial enterpriseshave come to realize that it is moreeconomical to farm out orders to in-dependent craft firms than to manu-facture and maintain everything un-der one roof.

The Federal Government. Linder andlocal authorities award public con-tracts. The crafts enjoy a substantialshare of these. Painters and varnishersrenovate public buildings such as

schools, kindergartens and hospitals.The services of bricklayers. roadmak-ers. carpenters and many other crafttrades are called on if the local author-

The art of design

The crafts travel new paths

Apart from quality and precision, thecrafts are calling more and more for aneye for form and colour. This not onlyapplies to goldsmiths. stonemasons.painters or precious stone cutters. Cre-ative talent is in demand in many areasof the productive crafts. In so doing.they are securing a competiti e advan-tage.

Despite the great responsibility borneby creative artisans. training and fur-ther training have so far only reactedin limited measure to these require-ments. The origins of this develop-ment go hack to the I 970s. At thattime, the Werkschulen, institutionsproviding handicraft training of an ar-tistic nature. were transferred to thehigher education sector. This meantthat artisans lost the opportunity ofconsolidating their skills and knowl-edge in design. ('onsequently, forsome time now, the ZI)11 has beenpromoting continued handicraft train-ing courses in design.

20

ities want to build a multi-purpose hallwhere clubs can meet or sports clubscan train. It is in the new Bundeskinder.in particular. that the award of publiccontracts gave initial impetus to the re-suscitation of the economy there.

The skilled crafts' chief customers.however. continue to he private house-holds. The service provided rangesfrom repairing washing machines andtelevision sets to orders from more af-fluent customers for handmade furni-ture. open fireplaces and doors. Withgrowing prosperity ever-new groupsof customers are seeking solidity andquality in the furnishing of theirhomes. This is presenting the craftswith new tasks.

Supermarkets for handymen and do-it-yourselfers have recognized this

market gap: there are too few craftfirms to satisfy the increased de-mand for repairs and services. Whatis more, the wages are too high formany people. As a consequence,hobby markets have experienced aboom as never before in recentyears.

The crafts sector has adjusted itself tothis development. The fact that peo-ple paper their own walls or pave theirown garage entrances cannot he

changed. On the contrary: handicraftfirms offer their help when things getdifficult or people can't make furtherheadway. On the other hand, thechambers are cooperating with theauthorities to prevent moonlightingfrom cutting the ground in increasingmeasure from beneath the skilledcrafts' feet.

The target groups are chiefly mastercraftsmen and journeymen. Somehandicraft chambers have even set updesign academies where those inter-ested can obtain the qualification "de-sign in the skilled crafts". There is stillno satisfactory provision for appren-tices in this field, however. For themost part, the training regulations only

provide for the teaching of compre-hensi ye technological knowledge andskills. Furthermore, the current curric-ula are often concentrated cm newproducts or new buildings.

As a result, the important sectors of re-development. renovation and architec-tural conservation frequently fall by

Outlook

the wayside. The ZDH main commit-tee for culture has consequently calledfor the inclusion of "design" in theframework curricula as well as thequalification as master craftsman andinstructor in the special subject of "De-sign in the Skilled Crafts".

In addition to training and furthertraining courses in design. courses forfurther qualification in restorationtechniques are also being offered bysonic handicraft chambers. The Cham-ber of Handicraft in Koblenz. is organ-izing corresponding further educationmeasures. Over and above this, it is

possible to acquire the qualification of"Restorer in the Skilled Trades". Cor-responding courses are offered in

Mainz, Ludwigshafen. Raesfeld and atthe German Centre of Handicraft andArchitectural Conservation in Fulda.

Within the framework of a pilotscheme, the Chamber of Handicraft inKoblenz is translating these demandsinto deeds. It is planned to include cre-ative aspects in interplant apprentice

tu .;ning. In addition, with the introduc-tion of a supplementary qualificationof "Design Assistant in the SkilledCrafts'', talented young persons are be-ing offered a genuine alternative. Theplanned courses, which will run con-comitant with training, are to last 36months, i.e. 580 hours.

During the design course trainees willhe taught to see things "artistically".They will develop a sense of form andcolour and learn to distinguish be-tween what is important and unimpor-tant. The training, which is based onthe arts-and-crafts traditions, will notonly benefit the designers, as is thecase with ceramists. but also appren-tices in enterprises which have special-ized in high-tech products. This ap-plies above all to metal handicraftwhere, with the help of computer-con-trolled machines. individually de-

signed products can be mated, such aschess pieces. for example.

Not only because of his extensivecraftsman's competence will the fu-

ture design assistant be able to helpstrengthen the market position of "his"firm: his expertise in the marketingand sales sector will also play an im-portant part. He will actively partici-pate in the technical-economic man-agement of the firm.

The great interest of firms in skilledstaff who, apart from craftsmanship,can offer qualifications in design andbusiness management, was revealedby a survey conducted by the Chamberof Handicrafts in Koblenz.

Children and young persons have agreat creative potential which shouldhe tapped at an early stage. Training as"Design Assistant in the SkilledCrafts" could prove to be a step in thisdirection. This does not mean, though.that adults have no opportunity toqualify. The Koblenz Chamber ofHandicrafts has naturally set its sightson instructors. Within the frameworkof workshops. they have already beenable to prepare themselves for their fu-ture commitments.

2221

Appendix

Important Addresses:

Zent:alverhand des Deutschen Handwerks(ZDH)(Central Association of German Handicraft)Johanniterstr. I. D-53113 Bonn'rel.: (02 28) 5 45-0, Telefax: (02 28) 65 52 05

ZDH-Vertretung hei der EuropaischenUnion(ZDH Representation at the EuropeanUnion)Rue Jacques de Lalaing 4. B-1040 BruxellesTel.: ((1 03 22) 230 85 39Telefax: (003 22) 230 21 66

Handicraft Chambers:Aachen:

Arnsherg:

Sandkaulbach 21

D-52062 AachenTel.: (02411471 - 0Telefax: (0241) 47 I 1 03

Briickenplatz I1)-59821 ArnsbergTel.: (02931) 8 77-15Telefax: (02931) 8 77 6(1

for Swabia: Schmiedherg 4D-86152 AugsburgTel.: (0821) 32 59-212Telefax: (08211 325 92 71

for Fast Friesland: StraLie des Handwerks 2

D-26603 AurichTel.: (04941) 17 97 32

Telefax: (04941) 17 97 40

for Upper Franconia:Kerschensteinersn. 711-95448 BayreuthTel.: (0921) 91 ()I 01Telefax: ((1921) 91 03 49

Berlin: Bliicherstr. 68D-10961 BerlinTel.: (030) 2 59 03-01Telefax: (030) 25 9(1 32 35

East Westphalia-Lippe. Bielefeld:Obernstr. 48D-33602 BielefeldTel.: (0521) 5 20 97-0Telefax (0521) 52 09 767

Braunschweig: Burgplatz 2D-38100 Braunsclmelg'1' - 1 : ((153 I ) 48 01 30

Telefax: (0531) 48 (11 357

Bremen:

22

Ansgaritorstr. 241)-28195 BremenTel.: (0421) 10 50) -0Telefax: (0421) 30 50 010

Bundesvereinigung der Fachverbandedes Deutschen Handwerks(Federation of Trade Associationsof German Handicraft)Max-Joseph-Str. 4D-80333 Munchen

Deutsches Handwerksinstitut e.V.(German Handicraft Institute Inc.).Max-Joseph-Str. 4/VD-80333 Miinchen

Tel.: (089) 59 36 71Telefax: (089) 55 34 53

Chemnitz:

Coburg

Cottbus:

Dortmund:

Dresden:

Auc 131)-09112 ChemnitzTel.: (0371) 9 10 70Telefax: (0371) 3 29 30

Hinterer FloBanger 6D-96450 CoburgTel.: (09561) 5 17-0Telefax ((19561) 6 85 86

Lausitzer Str. 1-7D-03046 CottbusTel.: (0355) 78 35-0

Telefax (0355) 3 12 20

Reinoldistr. 7-91)-44135 DortmundTel.: (0231) 5 49 30Telefax: ((1231) 54 93 115

Wiener Str. 431)-01219 DresdenTel.: ((1351) 46 40 30

Telefax: ((1351) 47 19 188

1)tisseldorf: Georg-Schulholf-Platz I1)40221 DusseldorfTel.: (0211) 87 95-(1

Telefax: (0211) 87 95 110

Erfurt:

Flensburg:

Fischmarkt 13D-99084 ErfurtTel.: ((1361) 67 67-0Telefax: (0361) 64 22 896

Johanniskirchhol 11)-24937 FlensburgTel.: ( 0461) 8 66-0

Telefax: (0461) 86 61 I))

Rhine-Main Frankfurt/Main:Bockenheimer Lands6. 2I1)-60325 Frankfurt /MainTel.: (069) 71 00 Ill -))Telefax: 0)69) 72 26 9))

BEST COPY AVAILABLE

Forschungsinstitut fur Berufshildungim Handwerk an der Universitat Köln(Research Institute of Vocational Training inHandicraft at the University of Cologne)I lerhert-Lewin-Str. 2. 0-50931 KilnTel.: (0221)4 70 25 82, Telefax: (0221)40 1 1 83

Bunt.!:.:verband der Deutsche') Volksbankenand Raiffeisenbanken e.V. (BVR)(Federal Association of the GermanVolksbanken and Raiffeisenbanken Inc.)Heussallee 5. 0-53113 BonnTel.: (0228) 509-0. Telefax: (0228) 50 92 01

23

Darmstadt: Hindenhurgstr. I

I) -64295 DarmstadtTel.: (0615113 007-0Telefax: (06151) 31 83 75

Frankfurt/Oder Bahnhoktr. 12D-I5230 Frankfurt/OderTel.: (0335) 3 46 22Telefax: (0335) 32 21 31

Freiburg/Br. Bismarekallee 61)-79098 FreiburgTel.: (0761) 21 80 00Telefax: (0761) 28 94 47

for East Thuringia:liandwerlostr. 51)-07545 GeraTel.: (0365) 55 02-0Telefax: (0365) 55 (12 99

!little (Saale) Graefestr. 24

D-06110 HalleTel.: (0345) 3 72 61Telefax: (0345) 2 36 92

I lainhurg Holsteins all 121)-20355 HamburgTel.: ((40) 3 59 05-1Telefax: (040) 35 90 52 08

I lanox er:

Heilbronn:

Berliner Alice 17D-30175 HannoverTel.: (051113 48 59 -))

Telefax: ((15111 3 48 59 88

Alice 761)-74072 HeilbronnTel.: (07131162 31-13Telefax: (07131) 62 3' 5(1

lb Ideshenw Braunschweiger Sir. 531)-31134 HildesheimTel.: 1(15121) 162 -(1

Telefax: (0512113 38 36

the Palatinate:

Karlsruhe:

Kassel:

Koblenz:

Cologne:

Konstanz:

Leipzig:

Lubeck:

Am Altenhof 15D-67655 KaiserslauternTel.: (0631) 84 01-0Telefax: (0631) 8 40 I I 80

FriedrichsplatzD-76133 KarlsruheTel.: (0721) 164 -(1Telefax: (0721) 1 64 91

Scheidemannplatz 21)-34117 KasselTel.: (0561) 78 88-0Telefax: (0561) 7 88 81 65

Friedrich -Ebert -King 331)-56068 KoblenzTel.: (0261) 3 98-0Telefax (((261) 39 82 82

lieumarkt 120-50667 Köln'rel.: f(1221) 202 22 25Telefax: ((1221)202 23 6(1

Wehersteig 3D-78462 Konstanz.Tel.: (07531) 2 05-0Telefax: (07531) 1 64 68

Lessingstr. 70-04109 LeipzigTel; (0341) 2 18 81 503Telefax: (0341) 20 08 16

Breite Str. 10- 12D-23552 LubeckTel.: (0451)15 (16 -1)

Telefax: (04511 1 50 61 80

1Am:burg-Stade Friedenstr. 60-21335 LtineburgTel.: (04131) 7 12-0Telefax: (04131) 4 47 24

District off ice, Stade:Im NelMerk 191)-21680 StadeTel.: (04141) 6 06 2(1"Felefax: (04141) ,) 31 39

Nlagdeburg: Humboldt str. 160-39112 NlagdeburgTel.: (0391) 3 IS 55-59Telefax: (0391)4 23 08

Rhine-Hesse: Ciottelmannstr. I1)-55130 MainzTel.: (06131) 83 02-0Telefax: (06131 ( 83 (12 63

Mannheim: 13 I. 1-21)-68159 MannheimTel.: (0621) 1 SO 02-0Telefax: 1 80 02 57

for Munich and Upper 13as aria:Max-Joseph-Str. 41)410333 MiinchenTel.: (089151 19-(1Telefax: (089) 51 19 295

Munster: Bisanarckallee I

1)-48151 NliinsterTel.: ((1251) 52 03-(1Telefax: (0251) 52 03 129

Appendix

Neuhrandenburg: Friedrich-Engels-Ring. 11I) -17033 NeuhrandenburgTel: (0395) 44 37 6(1Telefax: (0395) 44 37 69

for Central Franconia:Sulzbacher Sir. 11 -15D-90489 NurnbergTel.: (0911) 53 09-0Telefax: ((1911) 53 09 288

Oldenburg: Theaterwall 30-321)-26122 OldenburgTel.: (0441) 232_ -1)

Telefax: (0441) 23 22 18

OsnahrUck-l'anslandBramscherstr. 134 136

1) -49088 OsnabruckTel.: (0541) 69 29-0Telefax: (0541) 69 29 290

Lower Bas aria. Upper Palalinate. head office.

Passau: Nikolastr. 101)-94032 PassauTel.: (0851) 53 01-102Telefax: (0851) 5 81 45

Ilead office. Regenshurg:Ditthornstr.1)-93055 RegensburgTel.: (0941)79 65 101Telefax: (0941) 79 25 50

Potsdam: Charlottenstr. 34 36D-14467 PotsdamTel.: (0331) 3703-0Telefax: 0)331) 2 23 77

BEST COPY AVAILARI E

2

Reutlingen: Hindenburgstr. 58D-72762 ReutlingenTel.: (07121) 24 12-0Telefax: ((17121) 24 12 27

Rostock:

Saarland:

Sclmerin:

Stuttgart:

Aagust-Behel-Str. 1(14

0-18055 RostockTel.: (0381) 45 49 1 1 1

Telefax: (0381149 22 973

lohenzollernstr. 47 -49

0-66117 SaarbriickenTel.: (((681) 58 09-0Telefax: (0681) 58 09 177

Friedeasstr. 4 A

D-19053 SchwerinTel.: (0335) 741 70Telefax: (0385) 71 60 51

Heilbromwr Sir. 43I) -70191 StuttgartTel.: (0711) 16 57 260Telefax: (0711) 16 57 222

South Thuringia: Rosa-Luxemburg-Str. 9D-98527 SuhlTel.: (03681 ) 37 00Telefax: (03681) 37 02 90

Trier

Ulm:

Loebsir. 18D-54292 TrierTel.: (0651) 207-0Telefax: (0651 ) '(17 115

Olgastr. 721)-89073 UlmTel.: (0731) 14 25-0Telefax: (0731) 14 25 2(1

Wiesbaden: Bahnhofs(r. 631)-65185 Wiesbaden'rel.: (0611) 13 60Telefax: (0611) 13 61 55

for LasserA Franconia:Rennsseger Ring 3

1)-9707( WurzburgTel.: 01931) 3 09 08-0Telefax: ((1931) 3 09 08 53

13