Network Meeting Skilled Crafts international 2025

On May 22 and 23, 2025, the Network Meeting Skilled Crafts international 2025 took place in Berlin. The event was organized by the Vocational Education and Trade Promotion departments of the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH) as part of the SCIVET Synergy project, with support from the Agency for Business and Economic Development.

The aim of the meeting was to shed light on the international project work of the skilled crafts sector, both in the context of international vocational education and training cooperation (IBZ) and development cooperation (EZ), and to promote exchange between craftspeople and staff from craft organizations.

Day 1

Opening and Political Context

At the opening of the event, Stefan Schneider from the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (from August on at the Federal Ministry for Education, Families, Seniors, Women and Youth), and Benjamin Knödler from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), praised the contributions of the skilled crafts sector to international vocational education and development cooperation. They emphasized the importance of this work.

Innovations in International Project Work

A panel discussion focused on the topic: “We can handle anything that comes – Innovations in international project work in service of current transformations.” Constanze Küsel, Brigitte Pappe, and Heiko Herzog presented innovative approaches from their projects:

• A solar vehicle used in various countries.

• Product innovations for Madagascar’s textile market developed and implemented by local female entrepreneurs, thereby strengthening them.

• The “Cool White” project, which involves painting roofs white in hot regions to improve indoor climate without electricity consumption.

Workshops and Exchange of Experience

On the afternoon of the first day, eight workshops were held, most of which had been proposed by participants. Topics included managing difficult situations, ensuring long-term project impact, and supporting vocational training centers abroad.

Day 2:

Linking International Project Work and Labour Migration

The second day focused on connecting international project work with labour migration to Germany. Tim Bluthardt from the association proQglobal presented a project that offers training in Rwanda for carpenters, conveying skills to the level of the German journeyman qualification. Participants can then decide whether to work in Rwanda, elsewhere in the region, or in Europe.

Marius Heyl shared findings from his master’s thesis in a video interview on the potential and barriers of recruiting skilled workers from third countries from a business perspective. He advised companies to involve their existing workforce in the recruitment process and suggested that craft organizations promote networking between experienced and inexperienced businesses.

Panel Discussion and In-Depth Workshops

In the panel discussion “International project work as a bridge to the German labour market,” Merle Kreibaum (BMZ), Tan Van, Leon Herl, and Barbara Peinel (Chamber of Skilled Crafts for Munich and Upper Bavaria) shared their insights and experiences. This was followed by four workshops that explored various aspects in more depth, including learning from practical experience at the interface of migration and vocational training, as well as the integration of migrants into craft businesses.

Conclusion

The Network Meeting Skilled Crafts international 2025 offered a diverse program and promoted valuable exchange among participants. The event highlighted the importance of the skilled crafts sector in international vocational education and development cooperation and provided key impulses for future projects.