Voluntary Craft Trades Year – getting to know four occupations in twelve months

On 1 July 2024, the Lübeck Chamber of Crafts and Trades launched a project that is the first of its kind in Germany. The “Voluntary Craft Trades Year” allows those interested in training to familiarise themselves with four training occupations over twelve months, thus opening up a practical vocational orientation phase to young people. They spend a maximum of three months at a company, during which they try out a craft trades occupation. The Lübeck Chamber of Crafts and Trades advises, mediates and supports the young people and the companies in the process. This article describes initial findings, cites figures and explains the response the project has received.