Germany celebrates 16th annual Crafts Day to promote apprenticeships

Germany is celebrating the 16th annual 'Tag des Handwerks' (Crafts Day) on September 19, 2026. The nationwide event aims to highlight the importance of the crafts sector in areas such as housing, energy transition, and digitalization, while promoting more than 130 different apprenticeship professions.

Under the motto ‘Wir machen Karriere mit Gefühl’ (We make a career with feeling), the campaign focuses on the human element of the industry, emphasizing teamwork and personal development to attract young people. Notable ambassadors include Paralympic medalist Markus Rehm. The event includes various activities organized by chambers of crafts and individual businesses to showcase the sector's versatility.

Economic challenges remain a focus, as reports indicate dampened investment activity within the sector. To maintain competitiveness and modernize with technologies like CNC systems and 3D scanners, many businesses are increasingly turning to leasing. Leasing has become the third most important external financing method for crafts, particularly for companies with more than ten employees, as it preserves liquidity and allows for equipment-based rather than balance-sheet-based assessment.