Women in crafts: today's roofers, carpenters & plumbers

Modern craftmanship

The current debate about spelling gendering has brought the issue of gender equality back into the focus of society. Women are still disadvantaged in everyday life and at work. Often where the male gender is heavily represented, as well as in crafts. So what is the score of our industry?

Just imagine...

The following mind game: The power outlet in the living room is no longer working and (let's assume) you would be overwhelmed. You call the local electrician. You are promised fast and the fitter is on his way. What does the person in your imagination look like?

Probably a man between 25 - 50.

The door rings and lo and behold: a lady with a toolbox. The electrician.

Surprised?

Is craftsmanship a man's world?

Companies such as mechatronics, scaffolding, carpentry and roofing in particular are more likely to attract male workers.

But is the appearance of a male craft world deceptive? Is craftsmanship a purely male domain?

Women dominate

Already today in some areas of the craft sector. Often, many people are surprised when they run into craftswomen, although 36% all people who work in the craft sector are female.

Personal craft sectors, such as hairdressers or dental technicians, are part of the craft sector and are often dominated by women.

But the world is changing: women are also represented in companies such as plumbers, carpenters or roofing companies. They assert themselves in a working world characterized by male colleagues and want to create a new norm there: Women are strong and can make a big difference in the craft sector.

These women have often found a connection to crafts as early as childhood. Whether by grandparents running their own business or helping with minor repairs to the house, in the garden or bicycle. These points of reference ultimately led them to take the path of craftswomen as adults and now work to empower women in crafts and set an example for others.

And especially with these strong personalities Let's talk and make them heard even more. We present:

(Click here for all individual interviews, @diehandwerkschwestern, @dietischlerin, @maaxi_dachdeckerin)

Role models in a double pack: the craftsmen

There are also some activities in the craft sector that take place in the office. Be it calculating offers, planning appointments or working on advertising topics. And in principle, you can also shift these tasks locally - whether to the home office, to the garden set or to the café next door.

Elena (19) and Franziska (23) from @diehandwerkschwestern

... are not only clever, but also real tacklers. Even in their childhood, the sisters had many points of contact with crafts. The grandfather founded his own plumbing shop and set up his own small craft museum, from which he showed and explained the inventory to the young granddaughters.

Franziska studied real estate management and then started an apprenticeship as a plumber at the family business, Dangel-Metall GmbH. Her younger sister did the same and began dual studies at the same company right after graduating from high school.

After overcoming the first hurdle of switching from an office job to a physically demanding job, the two speak very positively of their work. They feel well integrated into the team and learn a lot. Their own environment also sees the work of both of them very positively.

Of course, the two also had concerns about the training, such as whether they could learn and understand everything. In other words, everyday concerns that we all know - whether man or woman.

As Daughters of Management Is it understandable that they particularly want to shine and set high standards for themselves. Thanks to great motivation and the first positive experiences in the company, most concerns are already a thing of the past.

Both are particularly proud of working in the craft sector and would also like to motivate other women and girls to find their way into the craft sector. According to the two, too few women still work in the plumbing trade in particular.

Your idea of how more companies can motivate women to work in the craft sector?

Companies should use targeted advertising measures to show that men and women are equal and that there are no differences on issues such as remuneration. Especially through videos, trade fairs and school appearances, the craft sector should draw attention to themselves and show the opportunities that women can have in the craft sector.

Indelible passion: carpenter & interior designer Isabelle Vivianne

Isabelle Vivianne from @die .carpenter tells us that not everyone has had good experiences in the craft sector. Isabelle (22) also has a family connection to the craft sector and grew up practically in workshops and on construction sites, so that she later decided to become a carpenter herself.

Her entourage admired this career decision. Also because she graduated from high school, then decided to pursue an apprenticeship and is therefore one step ahead of the social ideas of many people.

She comments on this:

“I personally believe that society has somewhat distorted the image and added value of education. Many don't know how much further you can go with precise education than by studying in a wide-ranging course of study.”

Unfortunately, the young carpenter did not have any good experience in her training. She reports that she was either treated very harshly or that she was not trusted with anything. The difficult handling of her professional environment led to a loss of self-confidence and doubts about her career choice — until she went all out with her journeyman piece and was able to completely convince herself and critics. To this day, the thought of her journeyman's work still fills her with pride.

As a result of this positive experience, she feels joy in her craft again and decides to continue doing it; even independently. She now prefers to invest her time and energy in herself and her love for carpentry.

Today, she is rented from a master who gives her a positive business atmosphere and is still very good friends with her trainer from Berlin. She is currently working on her own projects and values him as an artistic profession.

“Training in the craft sector is one of the most honorable decisions you can make, in addition to choosing a career in the social sector or becoming a mother.”

Isabelle recommends that the young generation of craftswomen be proud, beautiful and tough.

“Prove nothing to anyone. Instead, use your energy for yourself. You can only rely on yourself. Discuss, but never get loud. Be yourself and at the right time, be what is not expected of you. Don't let them stop you. Of nothing in this world, because you are needed no matter what anyone else wants to tell you.”

Roofer Maximiliane Pedall: Self-confident above the rooftops

Another strong person we had the pleasure of interviewing is Maxi from @maaxi_diedachdeckerin.

Maxi is 29 years old and will start the second year of her roofing training in September. Through her fiancé and her father, who has been a roofer himself for 43 years, she came into contact with roofing and finally decided to start an apprenticeship.

Your environment has received the choice of training very positively. Maxi herself also reports that she learns something new every day and is enthusiastic. We think that's great!

She was able to quickly get rid of initial concerns, such as concerns about pay, relationships with colleagues and bosses, and a working world dominated by men. The salary is adequate and she also has a good connection with her colleagues and the boss.

The best experience she has already experienced in her short apprenticeship is when she finished covering her first slate roof with her dad and her father also engraved it on the keystone.

She reacts self-confidently with criticism of her career choice. Criticism motivates them to continue pursuing their dream. Maxi expresses her opinion clearly:

If you really want something, then you can do it.

Young girls who are interested in crafts should not let negative voices get them down, but should follow their dream.

Companies must be open and should give women the opportunity to prove themselves.

“Craftsmanship needs a breath of fresh air and when it comes to women and girls, there is nothing bad about it. Men forget that women can get involved just like they do.”

Conclusion

Craftsmanship is no longer a working world dominated by men, but many women are also beginning to enjoy it.

Strong personalities in the craft sector such as @diehandwerkschwestern @maaxi_dachdeckerin and @die .tischlerin draw attention to this and show how they master the everyday life of a craftswoman. They have had different experiences, but they have one thing in common: they love crafts.

Your point of view:

• Companies should promote women and equality between women in crafts (videos, trade fair and school appearances, social media)
• Fair & equal wages are essential and out of the question
• Women have great will, get involved and bring even more creativity - i.e. the perfect employees/bosses!

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