The Central Association of German Crafts (ZDH) is encouraging the integration of practical work experiences within the military service to help guide young people toward careers in skilled trades. According to reports, the association suggests embedding professional orientation and skill development opportunities in handicrafts during a person’s term of military service. A ZDH spokesperson informed the press that such sessions could take the form of one- to several-day internships. The ZDH views closer collaboration between the trades and the German armed forces (Bundeswehr) as an opportunity to expose young people early in life to various professional profiles within the crafts sector, hopefully sparking interest in these fields and vocational training. Presently, those serving in the military encounter a wide range of technical and manual tasks, such as constructing temporary roads and bridges, maintaining vehicles, or securing energy and water supply systems. Furthermore, the military service inherently builds transferable skills like teamwork, reliability, and resilience, all of which are vital for businesses. Therefore, enhancing this cooperation could assist in recruiting young people for apprenticeships in the trades and help counter the occasional shortage of skilled labor for the personnel-intensive craft industries.
Craft Trades to Offer Internships for Conscripts
