Craftsmen as the backbone of our economy is a praiseworthy goal, yet the reality looks different. There is a serious lack in qualified staff and craftsmen with a master’s certificate.
Christian Turk from Amelux explains:
“It is a societal issue. We have repeated many times that the value and worthiness of craftsmanship and diplomas need to be raised. As long as that doesn’t happen, it will remain difficult. It is a factor people keep telling me about: how is one seen in society? That needs to be handled by politics”.
Craftsmanship requires a lot of effort and sometimes unpleasant working hours.
“I don’t think that is the only reason: If people discover a craft, are passionate to work in that area, they are ready to compromise. However, if people go into craftsmanship who lack motivation, it becomes harder to accept the working conditions”.
In addition to motivation craftsmen need to take into account the possibility of risk.
“That is correct, in present times it is not as easy anymore … However, I have to say that the state and our government are starting to act, they are making things happen, they are making moves to promote the matter”.
Moreover, the state and municipalities are a considerable competition for the private employers.
“On one hand one needs to understand that people are interested in working for a public employer. There are still points that need to be cleared up, including the valuable reputation. Often, when asked where they work, you hear someone answering proudly: at the municipality or at the state council. Someone else, who doesn’t work at the state council, pronounces it as if they were ashamed of it”.
The latter statement circles back to the key issue of craftsmanship: craftsmen need to know how valued their work is in society.
