Together SHD and HWK Erfurt open the future with more than 130 handicraft industries in Germany

Established in 1900, HWK Erfurt – Erfurt City Chamber of Crafts – is one of the leading prestigious organizations in Germany in training and developing human resources in the field of handicrafts. The cooperation between SHD and HWK Erfurt offers Vietnamese students more than 130 attractive career opportunities in the field of handicrafts, opening up a potential journey of studying and working in Germany.

Potential craft industries at HWK Erfurt

Crafts have long been an integral part of the German economy and culture. Not only is this a sector steeped in tradition, but it is also constantly innovating thanks to its combination with modern technology, meeting the growing demands of the global labor market.

In the state of Thuringia, HWK Erfurt – representing more than 30,000 craft enterprises – makes a significant contribution to the sustainable development of this sector. The diversity of the professions at HWK Erfurt allows students to choose a career that suits their interests and abilities. 

(From left to right) Ms. Magdalena Szypa-Raabe - Head of Education Policy & Recruitment HWK Erfurt, Mr. Thomas Malcherek - Managing Director HWK Erfurt, Ms. Nguyen Hang Nga - Specialist in charge of CRAFT project directly interact with SHD students

On November 13, HWK-Erfurt visited and worked with SHD, to promote cooperation and bring the best opportunities to students. This working session demonstrates the commitment to support young people to access quality vocational education in Germany, opening up new directions for their future careers.

> SHD accompanies HWK-Erfurt: Opening the door to a career in the German craft industry for students

Next, let's explore with SHD the typical handicraft professions that are being trained at HWK Erfurt to choose a suitable direction for yourself.

Electronic technician

Electronics engineering is a profession that combines technical knowledge and practical application, providing many opportunities for development in the modern technological era. This profession requires you to be meticulous, careful, have technical knowledge, good hand-eye coordination and a high sense of responsibility.

The electronics technician will perform the following main duties:

• Installation and operation: Responsible for providing power, lighting, and monitoring equipment for buildings or industrial plants.
• Establish: Program, configure and operate systems to ensure stable operation.
• Maintenance: Troubleshoot, test and maintain equipment operations, ensuring safety and efficiency.

Electronics technician in Germany

After graduating, you can work in companies specializing in electronics engineering as a technician. In addition, there are many opportunities to develop further such as studying for a master's degree, training as an energy consultant or taking management courses to move into the field of business management.

Metalworking technician

Metalworking technician is a profession that requires technical skills combined with creativity, offering many opportunities for growth in modern technological fields. 

The main duties of a metalworking technician include:

• Shape: Metal processing based on technical drawings or specific parameters, using techniques such as cutting, bending, splitting, marking, welding. 
• Assemble: Connecting metal parts using methods such as riveting, bolting or welding. In addition, depending on the field of expertise, technicians are also responsible for installing hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical systems, as well as treating product surfaces with anti-corrosion measures to ensure durability and safety for the project.

Metalworking technician in Germany

This job requires the performer to be skillful, have the ability to work carefully, meticulously and have an understanding of engineering, especially principles related to mechanics, mathematics, and metal materials. In addition, you need to have a sense of responsibility and the ability to work independently or in a team in a modern industrial production environment.

After completing your training, you can work in metalworking companies or further your skills through specialist training programs. You can also study to become a master craftsman, heritage restorer or manager. With the right direction, this industry can help you build a solid and diverse career.

Food processor

With its rich culture and cuisine, Germany offers career development opportunities for young people who love manual work in food processing. This is a profession with stable potential in terms of income and promotion opportunities, while providing a solid foundation for a long-term career in the culinary field.

Food processors in Germany are responsible for the following jobs:

• Evaluate: Choose high quality meat or food ingredients, ensuring safe and controlled origin.
• Preparation: Use specialized tools and techniques to chop ingredients, prepare them for further processing such as making sausages, hams, bacon, or producing prepared dishes.
• Processing: Processing meat specialties, developing and producing ready-to-eat dishes, ensuring food hygiene and safety in every stage.
• Sell: Advise customers on product selection, provide information on food origin and ingredients, and package products to ensure quality and hygiene.

Food processing specialist in Germany

Food processors need to be highly skilled, meticulous, careful and comply with food hygiene regulations. In addition, the ability to communicate and advise customers is an important factor in this job.

After completing your training, you can work in food processing facilities, prepared food manufacturing companies, or open your own production facility. Additionally, you can continue to improve your professional qualifications with certifications or study for management positions such as food processing department manager or food safety specialist. 

Other industries

In addition to the professions listed, HWK Erfurt also offers quality training programs in more than 130 other crafts, offering a wide range of career opportunities. For example:

• Food Salesperson: This job requires you to have knowledge of food products, consulting and sales skills, as well as the ability to manage goods and ensure food hygiene and safety during storage and consumption.
• Coating technician: People working in this industry specialize in painting and coating materials, ensuring the aesthetics and durability of the product. The job requires precision, meticulousness, and understanding of paints, coatings, and modern technology.
• Mechanical system maintenance technician: This industry focuses on maintaining, repairing and optimizing mechanical systems in factories or manufacturing facilities, helping equipment operate stably and efficiently. Technicians need to have in-depth knowledge of mechanics, electricity and automation.

Coating technician in Germany

These training programs not only help students master professional skills but also open up many career opportunities in industrial fields, from manufacturing to services.

Special benefits for SHD Academy students

When participating in the training program at HWK Erfurt, SHD students are not only equipped with solid professional knowledge but also receive many practical benefits, creating a solid foundation for their future career. 

Stable income during the study process

SHD students participating in the training program at HWK Erfurt receive a salary of 1,000 euros/month during their apprenticeship, helping to reduce the financial burden on their families and providing early economic stability.

Access to European standard training environment

Students will study in a modern training system and practice right at leading enterprises in the state of Thuringia. This not only helps improve skills but also helps students easily integrate into the real working environment.

Tran Thanh Hung (far left) – former SHD student in Germany

International vocational certificates: A solid stepping stone for the future

One of the greatest values that HWK Erfurt brings is the system of professional certificates recognized throughout Germany and Europe. With this certificate, students not only confirm their professional qualifications but also expand their job opportunities in other developed countries.

Appropriate career orientation

SHD experts and HWK Erfurt representatives regularly organize sharing sessions, providing detailed information about each profession, helping students understand the potential, requirements and prospects of each field to make the most suitable career choice for themselves.

HWK Erfurt and SHD: Realizing students' dream of studying vocational training in Germany

The cooperation between HWK Erfurt and SHD not only brings career opportunities but also helps build a sustainable future for students. As a bridge between Vietnamese students and prestigious organizations in Germany, SHD is committed to providing a comprehensive learning path, supporting students from the beginning to the completion of the program and working in Germany.

HWK Erfurt and SHD will work together and closely cooperate to help Vietnamese students explore and develop their careers in the traditional and potential handicraft sector in Germany. Let SHD accompany you, conquer your career dream and open up a solid future in Europe's leading economy!