Jena, May 22, 2026 – Manuela Vogt, the head of the Kreishandwerkerschaft Jena/Saale-Holzland, is actively campaigning for a stronger presence of women in skilled trades. The trained hairdresser and vocational educator was recently honored in Berlin for an innovative project specifically designed to inspire girls for the industry.
- Topic: Recruiting young women for regional skilled trades
- Key Figure: Manuela Vogt (Kreishandwerkerschaft Jena/Saale-Holzland)
- Award: Honored in Berlin for a project promoting girls
- Background: Vogt has led the Kreishandwerkerschaft for nearly three years
Jena Initiative Recognized in Berlin
For almost exactly three years, Manuela Vogt has been at the helm of the Kreishandwerkerschaft Jena/Saale-Holzland. In this role, the trained hairdresser and vocational educator is intensively dedicated to the topic of female power in the trades. The goal of her work is to clear away existing prejudices and show young women new professional perspectives.
Her latest project, which aims to introduce girls specifically to practical workshop tasks and inspire them for skilled trades, met with great resonance across the region. For this commitment, Vogt has now received an official award in the federal capital, Berlin.
Background: Skilled Labor Shortage and Apprenticeships in the Trades
The skilled trades in the Jena region and the Saale-Holzland-Kreis, like in many parts of Thüringen, face major challenges due to demographic change and a lack of apprentices. Specifically targeting girls and women is seen as an important lever for unlocking unused potential in the labor market. Traditional role models in professions within the construction, electrical, or woodworking sectors are to be broken down through practical trial offers and female role models.
Source:
“Girls can do it too”: How more women are to enter the skilled trades
Transparency Note: This article was automatically generated, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.