Young Germans Crave Hands-On Work Despite AI Confidence, Survey Finds — But Industry Warns of Looming Cost Crisis
29.06.2026 - 07:17:26 | boerse-global.de
A new Autodesk report reveals a striking generational paradox: 82% of Germans aged 14 to 23 say they feel comfortable using artificial-intelligence tools, yet 66% want careers that involve building physical products. The finding has electrified the skilled-trades sector, which sees a golden opportunity to lure tech-savvy youth into workshops and construction sites.
But the industry's leadership warns that the country's high labour costs could undermine that pull. Jörg Dittrich, president of the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH), is pushing for deep cuts to social insurance contributions. Non-wage labour costs currently hover at just under 43% of gross pay; Dittrich wants them down to 40%. A government-appointed finance commission identified roughly 40 billion euros in potential savings last spring, but politicians have so far only tapped 16 billion euros of that. That, Dittrich argues, is far from enough.
Among the measures he advocates: scrapping the "pension at 63" early-retirement scheme. He opposes abolishing minijobs, warning that doing so would push more workers into undeclared employment. As a fiscal incentive, Dittrich proposes a digital, low-bureaucracy "Handwerkerbonus" – a tax break for consumers who hire tradespeople.
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Millions poured into modern training
While the policy debate simmers, concrete investments are underway. The Oberstufenzentrum Elbe-Elster vocational college in Elsterwerda is receiving 4.5 million euros for its first construction phase, part of a total project cost of around 10.5 million euros. Meanwhile, Schleswig-Holstein has launched a Praktikumsprämie – an internship bonus that pupils and companies apply for jointly via the regional Chamber of Skilled Crafts. The aim: hook young people on manual trades early.
Safety seminars and extended deadlines
For business owners, a mandatory date looms. The Berufsgenossenschaft Holz und Metall, the statutory accident insurer for the wood and metal industries, is offering a free basic seminar on workplace safety in SaarbrĂĽcken on 1 July 2026, with additional dates in the second half of the year.
Health-protection rules are also being updated. The Bundesrat has extended the transition period for the certificate of competence required to use rodent-control products. The new deadline is 28 July 2030. Experts advise completing the necessary training courses well ahead of time.
Regional networking to tackle tough times
In Saxony-Anhalt, the Chamber of Skilled Crafts and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Magdeburg are co-hosting an expert consultation day on 30 June 2026. The agenda covers liquidity management, staffing and strategy under challenging order conditions.
In Hanover, roughly 100 trainers gathered on 24 June for a networking meeting titled "Top Ausbildung – Netzwerk der Besten" to discuss modern apprenticeship standards.
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And in Dresden, a unique partnership is celebrating a milestone: the IHK education centre and the Waldheim correctional facility (JVA) have been cooperating for 30 years. Inmates are being trained in CNC technology, robotics and 3D printing – a programme that aids rehabilitation while tackling the skilled-worker shortage.
