Chimney sweep training is booming: 29% more trainees in 2024!

Chimney sweep training is booming: 29% more trainees in 2024!

The training figures in the chimney sweep trade show an encouraging trend: in 2024, 796 young people began training as chimney sweeps. This corresponds to an impressive increase of 29 percent compared to the previous year. This positive development was announced at the conference of the Federal Association of the Chimney Sweep Trade in Berlin. What is particularly outstanding is the fact that the association considers around 650 new trainees per year to be necessary in order to compensate for demographic change. The skilled trades not only offer a job, but also numerous opportunities for professional development and qualification.

What exactly makes chimney sweeping so attractive to young people? In addition to the traditional role of “master smoker”, the industry is characterized by a wide range of training paths. This includes obtaining a technical college entrance qualification, a dual course of study in the field of renewable energies as well as master's and further training courses. The federal association is strongly committed to creating an overview of all types of heating in Germany and is also committed to documenting electrically based heating systems. Association President Alexis Gula mentions the need to record building-specific data in order to do justice to different heating systems. The craft form is seen as a key player in promoting climate-friendly heating systems.

Training and its opportunities

Chimney sweeping companies in Germany are currently training around 2,000 young people from the first to third year of their apprenticeship. Around 660 apprentices started their training last year, which represents an increase of over 8 percent compared to the previous year. The training lasts three years and can be shortened if you perform well. The training positions are also open to school leavers with all educational qualifications, those changing training and former students. An orientation internship is recommended in order to gain a realistic insight into everyday working life.

From 2024 there will be changes to the collective training allowance: at least 900 euros are provided for in the first year of training, 1,000 euros in the second year and even 1,100 euros in the third year. Chimney sweeping companies not only offer good job prospects in over 7,500 companies, but also fair pay. The chimney sweeping trade is also characterized by equality between the sexes; the salaries are identical for women and men. Women are particularly in demand because of their skills in crafts, and there are often journeymen among the top performers in the year.

A look into the future

The chimney sweep trade plays a crucial role in monitoring heating systems. There are around 7,700 chimney sweeping companies in Germany that document essential data on installed heat generators. This data not only provides an overview of the safety standards, but also helps to comply with emission control requirements. Current trends show a decline in oil and gas heating, while the share of efficient boilers is increasing.

The promotion of renewable energies and more efficient heating systems is a central issue, especially in view of the legally required CO2 prices, which will rise in the coming years. The chimney sweeps provide consumers with advice and are invaluable as experts in heat supply. Society must react early to the change in heat supply in order to meet requirements and reduce energy costs.

Overall, it can be said that the chimney sweep trade is on the rise, not only in terms of training, but also in terms of career prospects. We can only hope that the positive trend continues and that many young people recognize the advantages of this future-oriented craft.

For further information regarding training numbers and future prospects in the chimney sweep trade, you can read the following article NP Coburg, the details KL Magazine and the current data of the Mobile chimney sweeps visit.