“Over the last twenty years, apprentices have become scarce, although good craftsmen are in high demand,” said Marie Kousalíková, Deputy Mayor of Prague.
Czech bricklayers, carpenters, locksmiths, turners and other tradesmen are disappearing and in their place we often find cheaper labour from Ukraine and other countries. The thing is that nobody wants to see their vocational qualifications and often they do not do a good job. This is why there is a great demand for highly qualified craftsmen who are true professionals.
Chimney sweeps were the first to begin
Thanks to the Chimney Sweeps Congress which was held last year in Prague, chimney sweeping has become very popular in the media. The guild’s representatives, whose job is also to instruct apprentices, had complained that there was not enough interest in the apprenticeship. “This year, thanks to this fortuitous campaign, we have received 18 applications,” said the director of the vocational school in Jarov, Jaroslav Janeček. “Although we do not expect all of them to enter the apprenticeship, it has been a huge success, as at present, we only have three apprentice chimney sweeps in their first year, despite the fact that we train chimney sweeps for the whole republic.” The example of the chimney sweeps shows, that the city is heading in the right direction, i.e. with the promotion of trade skills.
A golden investment?
Many parents believe that trade skills are not a golden reserve and that much more money is to be found in white-collar professions. It is a common mistake. “The earnings of really good craftsmen are very good. Many people would be surprised how much money can be earned for a job done well,” emphasised, Mr. Janeček.
Which trades are in most demand?
The trades that are in most demand are e.g. engineering, electrotechnics and communications including computer technology, chemists, furniture makers, glaziers, carpenters, bricklayers, painters and many others. “The situation is better in the catering industry (cooks, waiters, etc.) and in hairdressing, although we cannot say that the supply would significantly exceed demand,” pointed out Marie Kousalíková.
Will there be enough work for them?
According to the directors of three big vocational schools in Prague, it is clear that their former apprentices do not have any trouble finding work. Prague companies often co-operate with the schools. When they need qualified workers they know where to find them. However, with some trades, it is very difficult to find any qualified people. For example if they need carpenters to work on roofs, they simply have to wait. The situation is also similar in other trades.
It’s largely up to parents
As far as trades are concerned, older people are prejudiced against them and so most of the apprentices in vocational schools are there on their own conviction. A survey showed that these young people choose their trade themselves and do not act under the influence of their parents. By contrast, the majority of higher secondary school students opted for studies according to their parents' wishes or advice. The newly launched campaign is not only aimed at lower secondary school pupils but also at their families. Apart from the aforementioned campaign, the City is also about to begin co-operation with the TV station Óčko, which seems to be very close to the younger generation. Preparations for co-operation with Czech TV, Czech Radio and other media are also under way.