“Kai Hofmann runs an electrical company in Düsseldorf. He is satisfied with his job and his six-figure salary. However, skilled trades are underestimated.
Anyone looking for a skilled tradesperson today needs patience. Order books are full, and many companies can barely cope with demand. This is also due to the fact that fewer people than before are choosing skilled trades. Kai Hofmann knows this situation only too well. He has been running an electrical company in Düsseldorf for 25 years. What began as a "one-man shop" in 1995 is now a modern company with 15 employees. His company plans, installs, and maintains electrical systems for residential and commercial customers, with a focus on modern building technology, smart home solutions, and energy-efficient electrical engineering.
The satisfaction of creating something lasting with his own hands is a central theme of Hofmann's professional life. "Skilled trades are definitely underestimated," he says. However, his path into this industry was not predetermined. "I never actually wanted to go into skilled trades," he says.
After school he started at Mercedes-Benz in Düsseldorf, completed an apprenticeship as an energy systems electronics technician, attended technical college, and passed his master craftsman's examination. The traditional path into industry lay before him, but the work seemed too monotonous in the long run. "I lacked creative freedom and responsibility." "I wanted to achieve more," he says. He has never regretted his decision to go into business for himself.
Early on, he combined technical know-how with entrepreneurial flair and established himself in a sought-after niche. He completed his first smart home project in 1998. The company grew, and at one point he employed 25 people. "I've focused on the essentials and no longer accept every order," says the 57-year-old. Requirements have since changed. "It used to be switches, sockets, and lamps; today it's much more about intelligent building control, photovoltaics, and electromobility." Everything that has long been taken for granted in cars is also finding its way into homes.
As managing director, Hofmann spends about half his working time in the office and the other half on construction sites or with customers. "My main job today is acquiring new orders, taking over planning, and managing the controlling." From a financial perspective, the trade seems to be worthwhile for him. Hofmann pays himself an annual salary of €126,000 gross. In good years, profit distributions are added, most recently around €24,000, he calculates. This results in a gross annual income of around €150,000.
Of this, €3,233 is deducted monthly in income tax. "Net, about €6,495 remains each month," he says.
He has a good income, with which he is satisfied, but he also bears responsibility. Through his profession, he has acquired valuable assets, such as real estate, from which he benefits through rental income. "I usually keep the profits in the company to have room for investments."
But even as an employed electrician, he says, you can earn well. Hofmann pays above the standard rate: A master craftsman starts with him for between €55,000 and €60,000 annually, a journeyman with around €45,000. In addition, there is a company cell phone, a company car, and other benefits. Those who pursue further training, for example, to become a Programmers can climb the salary ladder. All employees work 40 hours a week.
The energy transition and the trend toward smart buildings are making the electrical trade more in demand than ever. "Whether it's photovoltaics, wall boxes, or intelligent building control, the energy transition won't work without the electrical trade." Digitalization has also changed the way companies work. Every employee has a tablet, all plans, orders, and customer data are available digitally, and much of it can be controlled remotely.
The traditional entry into the electrical trade is through training as an electronics technician. Hofmann trains apprentices himself and pays them €850 in the first year and almost €1,100 in the third year. But he's under no illusions. "The apprentices we want are no longer available." Unfortunately, interest in the trades is often lost. That's why he likes to ask in job interviews: "Have you ever had a flat bicycle tire?" And what did you do?" The answer is often sobering. The bike usually ends up broken and sitting in the corner. Anyone who has ever repaired something themselves is a gem for him. Because the truth is, you can impart the knowledge to the next generation, but if someone is clumsy, you can't do anything. But Hofmann is doing everything he can to put the trade in a better light and inspire young people, giving lectures, visiting schools, and attending trade fairs.
He has definitely acquired the skills to lead teams. "What you never learn when you start your own business is managing people and personnel," he admits. Sometimes that's more difficult than any technical challenge. Organizational skills and flexibility are also crucial as an entrepreneur. "Every day brings new challenges. I value the variety, but also the responsibility and working with people," he says. Within his team, he relies on clear rules such as punctuality and mutual respect. "There's an introduction on the first day; a clear approach is important to me." This applies especially to apprentices. The young people bring fresh ideas, but also new demands, he says. "Some want to explain the world to the 50-year-old journeyman, others are curious and willing to learn. That's sometimes exhausting, but also enriching."
Hofmann sees the reasons for the lack of young talent not least in the education system. There are numerous universities in Düsseldorf, but vocational training centers are rare. "More than half of the elementary school students here go to Gymnasium (grammar school), and an estimated 90 percent of them want to go to university later," he says. Fewer and fewer students are attending Realschule [1] or Hauptschule (lower secondary school), the traditional target group for skilled trades. Added to this is the often low social appreciation for skilled trades. "I often hear from parents: 'My son or daughter deserves better.'" Hofmann regrets this. Skilled trades are a secure industry with a future, one that also offers meaning. "Because not everyone can graduate from high school and go to university," he says. 'Just do it,' is his advice to young people.
Hofmann rarely has anything negative to say about his job; he seems content with what he does. The only thing he lets off steam is the bureaucracy. Over the years, the administrative burden has worsened. "I'm currently doing another set of statistics for an office, and it's a tough job," he says. He mostly handles the administration himself. He works more than 40 hours a week, but that's okay.
Hofmann sees his career as an example of what it takes to achieve something in the skilled trades. And many established skilled trades businesses are currently looking for a successor. This presents opportunities. Hofmann hasn't given much thought to his own succession yet. First, he wants to continue running his business successfully. But he does have a few plans. "By the time I'm 60, I want to have the framework for the successor in place, and I definitely want to work until I'm 65. And then we'll see."
You don't talk about money? We do. The FAZ is presenting a series portraying people, their professions, and the earning potential. Would you like to be part of the series? Then send us an email to berufundchance@faz.de." [2]
1. The Realschule is a type of German secondary school that emerged in the mid-18th century as a practical alternative to the academic Gymnasium. It was originally a six-year program with a curriculum that emphasized natural sciences, chemistry, and hands-on workshops in areas like wood and glass. Today, it is an intermediate path for students aged 10 to 16, typically leading to a Mittlere Reife (intermediate school-leaving certificate) after grade 10.
This qualification allows students to enter the workforce, pursue apprenticeships, or continue their education in higher vocational schools (e.g., Fachoberschule).
Key characteristics of the Realschule
Emphasis on practical skills:
The curriculum is oriented toward technical, administrative, or commercial careers rather than purely academic pursuits.
Role in the German system:
It is positioned as a middle-tier option between the more vocational Hauptschule and the university-preparatory Gymnasium.
Educational pathway:
After completing the Realschule, students can choose to pursue a trade or craft, attend a full-time vocational school (Berufsfachschule), or continue to a Fachoberschule to prepare for a Fachhochschule (polytechnic).
Varying structure:
The specific design, admission requirements, and duration of the Realschule can vary by federal state. Some states offer it as a standalone school, while others have integrated it into comprehensive schools (Gesamtschule), according to Wikiwand and MTR Legal Rechtsanwälte.
2. Wie viel ein selbständiger Elektroniker verdient. Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung; Frankfurt. 06 Sep 2025: 30. Von Anne Kokenbrink
Komentarų nėra:
Rašyti komentarą