Women Address Skills Shortages in the Craft Sector

The craft sector is facing significant challenges due to a shortage of skilled workers, and recent analysis highlights the crucial role women play in addressing this issue.

A report from the Competence Centre for Skilled Worker Security (Kofa), part of the employer-oriented Institute of the German Economy (IW) in Cologne, reveals that women are increasingly stepping into roles traditionally dominated by men, particularly in areas experiencing a shortage of qualified professionals.

According to the study, which examined employment data from July 2023 to June 2024, nearly 2.6 million individuals were employed in skilled trades, marking a 2.7% decline compared to 2013. Despite the overall decrease in the number of apprentices and workers in these trades, the number of women holding master craftsman qualifications has seen a notable increase.

The report indicates that the rise in female participation is the primary driver behind the growth in the number of employees with master qualifications. The percentage of women among master craftsmen rose from 13.3% in 2013 to 17.1% currently, while the number of men in master-level positions has remained stable over the same period. Notably, the largest percentage increase was observed in female master craftsmen within the fields of medical, orthopedic, and rehabilitation technology, which are among the professions facing significant talent shortages.

Furthermore, the study highlights a trend where women are increasingly pursuing careers in fields with enduring skill gaps. While the number of women employed in trades without a skills shortage has decreased by 14.6% since 2013, there has been an 18% increase in female employment within professions characterized by persistent shortages. In contrast, the number of men in these critical roles has remained relatively unchanged.

This shift underscores the importance of women in maintaining the workforce in skilled trades, enhancing the overall stability and sustainability of the sector amid ongoing challenges related to workforce availability.