If you want to start a business in the skilled trades, you have been able to do so in some professions without a master’s degree. Since December last year, twelve of these previously unrestricted occupations have been reinstated subject to master. We have summarized for you what these are and what this innovation means for start-ups in the trades and for existing trades.
Business start-up in the craft also possible with master craftsman attitude
Originally with the Revision of the Crafts Code in 2004, a total of 53 of the 130 craft trades were declared free of admission. Accordingly, no master craftsman’s certificate was required for starting a business in one of these professions.
For twelve craft trades, however, the master craftsperson requirement will again apply in the future. This was decided by the Federal Cabinet with the amendment to the Crafts Code. A target of the introduction is to increase the quality and the qualification in the craft.
For business founders who want to become self-employed in one of the trades concerned, this means that they themselves or the manager they employ will have to provide proof of a master craftsman’s certificate or equivalent qualification in future.
To the detailed article: Business start-up in the craft – possible with or without master craftsman’s certificate
Which trades are affected by the regulation
This proof is required when starting a business in the following, now again master professions be presented:
- Container and apparatus builders
- Organ and harmonium builder
- cooper
- Concrete block and terrazzo manufacturer
- screed layer
- interior decorator
- parquet layer
- Turners and wooden toy makers
- Roller shutter and sun protection technician
- Sign and illuminated advertising manufacturer
- glass finisher
- Tile, slab and mosaic layers
Existing craft shops are not affected
Anyone who has become self-employed in one of the above-mentioned craft trades after 2004 must also take part after the new law for master craftsmanship comes into force no impact for starting your own business. Only companies founded in 2020 are affected.
Financial support for start-ups in the trades
Even if the new regulation for start-ups is associated with stumbling blocks such as increased bureaucracy and costs, a master’s degree and starting a company in professions requiring a master’s degree can still offer good opportunities. After all, some federal states reward the qualification as a master craftsman with special bonuses such as the master craftsman bonus, the master craftsman bonus, the promotion bonus or the master craftsman founding bonus when starting a business or taking over a business or company succession.
In addition to the subsidies mentioned above, craft founders can also apply for subsidies in the area of business start-up advice and start-up coaching. Depending on the federal state, up to 70% of the costs are reimbursed.