With its small and medium-sized business structure, the skilled trades represent an important sector of the local economy. At the end of 2022, the craft groups "health and personal care" with 757, "construction" with 568, and "electrical/metal" with 489 businesses were most strongly represented in the federal city. In total, there are 2,461 registered businesses in Bonn, which, according to estimates by the Bonn/Rhein-Sieg District Crafts Association, provide an average of six jobs per business (converted into full-time employees). Accordingly, a total of around 15,000 employees subject to social insurance contributions or 17,000 gainfully employed persons - including entrepreneurs and family members - can be assumed. These generate an annual turnover of around 1.6 billion euros. The contribution of the skilled trades to the training of young people is worthy of particular mention. In Bonn alone, 1,154 apprentices are undergoing training in the broad spectrum of skilled trades occupations; the number of training companies in 2022 was 422.

With the "Make a Work of Your Life" campaign launched in 2022, the career workshop of the Cologne Chamber of Skilled Crafts helps people find the right occupation for them from a total of 130 training occupations in the skilled crafts sector. On posters, in cinema commercials and via social media, the aim is to arouse interest in skilled trades occupations. The special creative and individual achievements of craftspeople are also addressed and creatively presented.

The Bonn Energy Agency (BEA) was founded in 2010 and incorporated as an association in 2012. The 22 members of the association also include the guilds of the building and finishing trades, the Bonn/Rhein-Sieg district craftsmen's association and the Cologne Chamber of Crafts. The BEA offers interested parties a neutral and independent point of contact for information on all aspects of energy-efficient renovation and construction as well as the use of renewable energies for private property owners. For example, the "Bau- und Sanierungstreff" series of lectures offers a broad range of expert knowledge on a wide variety of topics. In 2022, the Bonn Energy Days were held again from August 29 to September 9.

As guest speaker at the autumn general meeting of the Cologne Chamber of Skilled Crafts on November 24, 2022, Lord Mayor Katja Dörner emphasized the special role of the skilled crafts sector in combating climate change. OB Dörner: "The skilled trades have been and continue to be a key driver of innovation for our city and society. Particularly in combating the climate crisis, the skilled trades play an outstanding role. Energy-efficient building renovation, switching to renewable energies for heating and power supply, or the climate-adapted design of gardens and outdoor facilities. All of this requires excellently trained craftsmen and women in the region."

On June 19, 2020, the City of Bonn and the Cologne Chamber of Skilled Crafts launched the "Joint Initiative for the Promotion of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses". With this agreement, the concerns of small and medium-sized enterprises are to be given special attention by the city of Bonn and good framework conditions are to be created. Five major topics are defined in the SME agreement: Labor and training market policy, transportation policy, climate protection and energy policy, business development and urban development, and digital service offerings (Smart City Bonn). Topics such as the compatibility of family and career and attracting university graduates to the skilled trades are addressed, as are e-mobility in the skilled trades, public procurement practices and the promotion of innovation and technology transfer.

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