Recruiting challenges are ubiquitous in the skilled trades. What is the situation like for the stonemasonry profession? In STEIN 8/25, we take an in-depth look at the training and continuing education opportunities for stonemasons. We provide a detailed overview of the job profile and highlight the current state of affairs at German stonemasonry schools. We also feature profiles of stonemasons who have pursued further training. They present their projects and demonstrate what a career in stonework can look like.
The shortage of young talent in the skilled trades is devastating. This also applies to the stonemasonry trade. According to the BIV, while there were still about 2,400 apprentices in 1998, that number had dropped to just 736 some 20 years later. Here at the STEIN editorial office, we’ve been following this trend with concern for years and are seeking to understand its causes and find solutions. In this issue, we highlight just how interesting and well-rounded stone masonry training is and what long-term career opportunities it offers. The good news is that the Federal Association is taking the initiative and attempting to counter the decline in the number of apprentices through various measures. One of these is the “STEIN macht stolz” (“Stone Makes You Proud”) campaign. You can read more about this, as well as about stonemason training and the various schools, starting on page 6.
Taking the Offensive
Our author, Dr. Alexandra Nyseth, has compiled a list of continuing education and professional development opportunities for stonemasons, starting on page 15.
Master stonemason and stone sculptor Steffen Grigoleit discusses his continuing education to become a “Restorer in the Trades – Master Professional” starting on page 20. Particularly fascinating is the range of projects he has carried out since then.
Continuing Education in the Profession
Thomas Laubscher, director of the European Training Center (EFBZ) in Wunsiedel, discusses the importance of training and continuing education for stonemasons and stone sculptors in an interview with STEIN. Starting on page 28, find out which courses the EFBZ offers and what added value they provide for stone professionals.
Added Value for Stone Professionals
Do-it-yourself: Continuing education can also be supplemented by “learning by doing.” To learn how to integrate software into your own company even without a degree in computer science, read the article by our machine specialist Michael Spohr on machine networking starting on page 44. You’ll be surprised to discover how stone masonry businesses today can modernize digitally with relative ease and achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency.
We hope you enjoy reading STEIN.
The STEIN Editorial Team Redaktion@stein-magazin.de
The magazine is available in the shop here.
In our latest issue, 07/25, we showcase extraordinary exterior cladding made of natural stone. Read more about it here.
A Digital Surprise
The situation regarding the next generation of skilled workers in the trades is dire. This also applies to the stonemasonry trade. According to the BIV, there were still about 2,400 apprentices in 1998, but just 20 years later, that number had dropped to only 736. Here at the STEIN editorial office, we’ve been following this trend with concern for years and are seeking to understand its causes and find solutions. In this issue, we highlight just how interesting and well-rounded stone masonry training is and what long-term career opportunities it offers. The good news is that the Federal Association is taking the initiative and attempting to counter the decline in the number of apprentices through various measures. One of these is the “STEIN macht stolz” campaign. You can read more about this, as well as about stonemason training and the various schools, starting on page 6.
