The days when chimney sweeps only worked on roofs and cleaned chimneys, covered in soot, are over. Now the trade is trying to create a new professional image – and to find new talent.
The chimney sweep trade is struggling with a lack of young talent. “We can actually be satisfied nationwide, but there are regional differences where a need for skilled workers can quickly lead to a shortage of skilled workers,” said Udo Voigt, head of vocational training at the Federal Association of Chimney Sweepers (ZIV), to the German Press Agency.
This would also be felt by customers, who currently have a great need for information due to the heating laws. “Operational and fire safety are top priorities. That’s why consultation appointments would be the first thing to be eliminated,” said Voigt.
Problems in filling apprenticeship positions
There are currently around 20,000 employees in the 7,600 chimney sweep companies, including 1,835 apprentices. With just under 620 apprentices, the nationwide number has remained relatively constant in recent years. Problems with filling apprenticeship positions are particularly evident in the eastern federal states such as Thuringia, but also in Saarland.
According to Saarland state guild master Eric Scherer, there are only two apprentices in the current year, whereas up until now there had usually been around twelve. Scherer said he could not explain why they had “gone against the national trend”. In order to promote training in this trade, the Saarlanders now want to join the national campaign “Join Team Black”.
“Use customer contacts”
ZIV board member Voigt advises using customer contacts for advertising: “I simply believe that direct communication is the best. Better than any TikTok appearance.” After all, the chimney sweep sees potential offspring growing up among customers over the years.
In addition, it is important to fight together for a change of perspective: “We all have to stick together so that the wider community understands how the job description has changed,” he appealed. Chimney sweeps used to clean ovens, but now they check heat pumps for safety and energy efficiency.
According to Voigt, another clientele may also be attracted by the job-specific course of study that was created in Baden-Württemberg: interested people in Rottenburg could obtain a bachelor’s degree in “Renewable Energies with a specialization in chimney sweeping” and take their journeyman’s examination at the same time.
Source: Stern
