Create handmade items - Lack of experienced chimney sweepers leads to extended wait times.
In the region of Thuringia, there's worry over a potential shortage of skilled chimney sweeps. Justus Schrader from the Central Association of German Chimney Sweeps predicts that 30 to 40% of the workforce could retire in the near future, but there aren't enough young professionals willing to take their place. The ratio of master craftsmen in Thuringia is remarkably low compared to other states. Many chimney sweeps favor working as employees rather than being their own boss.
Sebastian Schilling, the Training and Further Education Leader for the Thuringian Chimney Sweeps Guild, shares similar concerns about the lack of self-employed chimney sweeps. The guild is managing to train apprentices and journeymen, but not enough are interested in becoming self-employed. The pay for employed chimney sweeps is quite good, which makes the idea of becoming a master craftsman and establishing a business less appealing, especially considering the paperwork involved.
This shortage of self-employed chimney sweeps means that some of the 200 districts in Bavaria won't have a permanent sweep for an extended period. These districts will be assigned to other sweepers from nearby areas. This scenario will lead to longer wait times for customers. As Schilling explains, "We have to travel farther. So if someone in a small village wants a quick check-up, they might have to wait for weeks until several people gather."
There is, however, a silver lining in the form of increased interest in chimney sweep apprenticeships. Schilling reports that there are already 16 apprenticeship contracts signed for the upcoming academic year. In 2023, only nine individuals began their apprenticeship, compared to 14 and 15 in the two previous years. Additionally, there are more job applications being filed.
The chimney sweep industry is undergoing a transition. Chimney sweeps are increasingly becoming fixtures on social media like Instagram and TikTok. According to Schilling and Schrader, reports suggest a transition away from traditional gas and oil heating systems. Instead, the business is shifting towards energy consultations and heat pump inspections. As Schrader says, "We've always been known for the black and dirty trade. That's changing now."
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Source: www.stern.de