Career fair in Bamberg: Young people discover the craft up close!

Career fair in Bamberg: Young people discover the craft up close!

On October 25, 2025, the eagerly awaited “Crafts Fair” took place at the State Vocational School Center in Bamberg. Organized by the Chamber of Crafts for Upper Franconia as well as local district craftsmen's associations and guilds, the event was a complete success: around 1,000 young people and their parents flocked to find out about the wide range of training opportunities in the craft sector. More than 30 companies presented their professions and the atmosphere was characterized by a spirit of discovery and curiosity.

The focus was on practical career orientation, with the aim of dispelling clichés about the craft. The young people had the opportunity to lend a hand themselves. Activity stands invited people to try things out: young people were able to discover their talents and become creative with saws, hammers and screws. Whether making individual cell phone holders, charming picture frames or unique hearts made of copper pipes - here a lot of fun was combined with craftsmanship.

Insights into the diversity of crafts

The trade offers an enormous range of professions, and this was impressively conveyed at the trade fair. There were not only active trainees on site, but also trainers and entrepreneurs who enthusiastically led the activities and promoted their professions. Digital crafts were also represented: virtual welding in metal construction with VR glasses provided a special appeal and modernized the image of the craft. This strengthens the visibility of the industry, which would urgently like to have young talent in times of a shortage of skilled workers.

Crafts are an important professional field in Germany; only the industry and trade sector can boast more trainees. Estimates show that around a third of all trainees work in skilled trades, yet the industry is still struggling with over 150,000 unfilled positions. The Central Association of German Crafts makes the shortage of skilled workers a priority: The number of trainees has fluctuated since the 1990s, but is trending downward. In 2024 there were only around 342,000 apprentices in the German trade. This phase of poor training makes events such as the “Crafts Fair” indispensable in getting young people excited about the crafts.

Appreciation for the craft

The political presence during the event underlined the important role that crafts play in our society. Representatives from local and federal levels were impressed by the passion shown by the exhibitors and visitors to the trade fair. HWK President Graßmann emphasized that the appreciation of craftsmanship in society has developed positively. This seems to be a good sign at a time when the trades are facing challenges and are urgently looking for new talent.

Many young people had positive discussions as they agreed to numerous trial internships and actively sought further discussions with companies. The hope here is that future generations will develop just as good a knack for the craft as their predecessors. The trade fair left a lasting impression and sent an important signal for the future of skilled trades.

As it turns out, crafts remain one of the mainstays of our economy. The “Crafts Trade Fair” in Bamberg has once again shown that good craftsmanship is very popular and it is time to open the doors to this diverse world for young people.

For more information about the event and craft learning opportunities, visit the website Wiesentbote, HWK Upper Franconia and Statista.