structural development

Hello!

Today we are presenting the “Self-employedLausitz” project of the Dresden Chamber of Crafts on the topic of company succession, starting a business and career paths in the skilled trades, which kicks off on March 6th in Weißwasser.

Around 40 percent of the craft business owners in Saxony are 55 years of age and older. This means that more than one in three companies will face succession issues in the next ten years. As part of the “ Self-employedLausitz ” project, the Dresden Chamber of Crafts to use various measures to enable those interested to enter entrepreneurship smoothly and to maintain and build stable craft structures in Lusatia in the long term.

Together with Anna-Marie Hillen, the “Self-employedLausitz” project employee in the Economic Development and Consulting Department of the HWK Dresden , we would like to warmly invite everyone who is interested to find out more about the very good opportunities that the skilled trades offer on March 6th. “Self-employedLausitz” offers founders as well as established entrepreneurs and interested consultants a platform to enter into an active exchange and make valuable contacts. The project sees itself as an interface and supplement to the business consulting services offered by the Dresden Chamber of Crafts . Upon request, their advisors are available to provide their expertise to answer questions about the transfer of the company and setting up a business. Free of charge, neutral and individual.

In order to present the project in more detail, the UBL blog spoke to Anna-Marie Hillen in detail about the important topics of the “Self-employedLausitz” project.

UBL blog: Dear Ms. Hillen, we are pleased that you to Weißwasser to kick off the “Self-employedLausitz” event - can you briefly explain to us why it happened in Weißwasser and whether there are any further stops planned?

Anna-Marie Hillen: The Dresden Chamber of Crafts sees itself as a strong partner in the region. In collaboration with the Görlitz District Crafts Association, the Bautzen District Crafts Association and the guilds in the region, we are committed to sustainably strengthening the economic performance of the crafts between Weißwasser and Zittau, between Hoyerswerda and Bischofswerda as an important link in the regional value chain .

The AutonomousLausitz project wants to be visible as a competence center for succession and start-ups locally in the Saxon coal region and as a contact point for regional craft businesses. The Weißwasser location is to be further expanded in the future.

UBL blog: How do you see the numbers and data regarding self-employed craftsmen in Lusatia?

Anna-Marie Hillen: In 2023, the Dresden Chamber District listed 21,060 craft businesses. There are 8,500 companies listed in the Görlitz and Bautzen districts. In this area, 1,567 companies (LK GR) and 1,859 (LK BZ), around 40% of the owners and managers are over 55 years of age or older. Conclusion - in the next 10 years, 3,426 companies will be of retirement age and will be affected by the succession issue.

UBL blog : Why is the trade currently struggling to attract young talent even though the career opportunities seem ideal?

Anna-Marie Hillen : The shortage of skilled workers in the skilled trades is primarily due to demographic change. There is a lack of young talent because many young people are pursuing other career paths. It is therefore important to present the trade as an attractive career option at school and to provide practical insights.

Increasingly represented in crafts and self-employment: Lusatian women

UBL blog : Can you see a positive development regarding “women in the trades”?

Anna-Marie Hillen : Absolutely, we are seeing an increasing trend of women becoming self-employed in the craft sector. This not only affects classic professions such as hairdresser or beautician, but also increasingly technical professions such as carpenter or automotive technician. The structural change in the region as well as new products and services also offer women a wide range of opportunities in the skilled trades.

UBL blog : What skills should a young person have who aspires to go into the trades and harbors the dream of self-employment?

Anna-Marie Hillen : In addition to technical skills, a great willingness to learn is important, as technologies are constantly evolving. Entrepreneurial thinking, organizational talent and the ability to work in a team are also important qualities. You should also be aware that self-employment in the craft sector also requires an understanding of numbers and business relationships.

UBL blog : Can you tell us more about what the specialist impulses and workshops at the event will actually be about?

Anna-Marie Hillen : Of course! Participants can look forward to input on various topics relating to self-employment in the trades. There will be workshops on career paths in the trades, handing over a business and starting a craft business. Successful reports from regional companies are intended to provide concrete insights into best practices and offer participants valuable inspiration for their own future.

Dear Ms. Hillen, thank you for the interview.

Anyone interested can view the event overview and agenda and register this link