- 03/05/2026
- Experts Know-how
Recruiting 2.0: The best online portals for trainees and skilled workers
If you are a craft business owner – whether you work in carpentry, window manufacturing or sun protection technology – and want to remain future-proof, you need to be where tomorrow's skilled workers and apprentices are: on online portals. But don't worry, you don't need to be an IT expert to get started. In this article, you will find tips on how to get young people interested in your business.
Written by Heiko Fischer
Which portals should you use for your search?
Not every portal is suitable for every business. While generalist portals offer a wide reach, niche portals help to minimise wastage. If you are looking for an apprentice or an experienced journeyman, the relevant offers must be attractive and presented online around the clock: on the relevant job portals, on social media and, of course, on your company's own website.
Tips for digitally recruiting trainees and skilled workers
1. Authentic content
- Before you start posting on a portal, your social media channels or your website, you need material that appeals to people and provides specific information about what you have to offer.
- For example, take 5–10 photos or short videos (max. 30 seconds) of your workshop, a window project or a patio installation.
- Take photos of yourself and your employees at work with a smile.
- Summarise what makes your company special in three sentences.
2. Select channels
- Advertise your job vacancy where it can be found regionally and by the target group.
- Also enter your apprenticeship vacancy in the apprenticeship exchange of your Chamber of Crafts. This is the basis, as career advisors and schools have access to it.
- Use portals such as Ausbildung.de or regional job exchanges.
- Publish your advertisement on social media platforms such as TikTok, YouTube and Instagram. Ask your employees to share this post within their private circles to initiate digital ‘word-of-mouth advertising’.
3. Simple application – quick response
- Make initial contact as easy as possible. For example, provide a mobile number that applicants can use to send a short text message.
- Explain in the text that a CV is not necessary for the initial contact. A quick phone call or meeting in the workshop is more important here.
- Promise a response within 24 to 48 hours. Speed signals appreciation.
From 24 to 27 March 2026 in Nuremberg, the Future Room (Zukunftsraum) at FENSTERBAU FRONTALE + HOLZ-HANDWERK will offer more directly applicable tips and concrete instructions from experts and entrepreneurs on this topic! You will learn which portals promise the greatest success for your search for trainees and skilled workers. You will also find innovative solutions, digital tools, trends and fresh ideas, live demonstrations, exciting presentations, lively expert interviews and a fully digitalised craft office to try out for yourself!
Author
