Right now there is a shortage of craftsmen and women everywhere: Whether houses have to be renovated or whether the bakery has to supply its branches with fresh bread rolls the craft guilds complain: We get too few trainees. In fact, numerous training positions remain vacant, resulting in a shortage of skilled workers. Together with an intern, Christiane Rau set out to find the causes. Is the work too hard or is it paid too badly? Anyone who doesn't want to go all the way to becoming a journeyman won't do a master's examination, take over a company or become a trainer themselves. The opportunities for advancement and secure work have never been as good as they are today in the skilled trades.