Developments in the glazier trade: »The glazier trade plays a pivotal role in climate protection«

Climate protection, digitalisation, young talent: Robert Schmitz, Federal Guild Master at the Federal Association of Glazier Guilds (BIV), explains in this interview, where the glazier trade assumes responsibility and seizes opportunities – and how skilled crafts and industry make progress together at glasstec.

The Federal Association of Glazier Trades (Bundesinnungsverband des Glaserhandwerks - BIV) has pooled the interests of the glazier trade for over 140 years – from professional education to technical standards to representation in politics and business. Federal Guild Master Robert Schmitz explains what currently keeps member companies busy and what skilled crafts expect from the dialogue with industry.

Which developments are currently impacting the glazier trade most, across many companies? 

Robert Schmitz: The glazier trade is very varied – from small specialised firms to bigger expert companies with different lines of business. Two trends, however, stand out here especially: climate change and its associated energy-related requirements and increasing digitalisation. 

In climate protection the glazier trade plays a key role. Energetic refurbishment, value retention, window retrofitting and modern glazing systems directly contribute to reducing energy consumption. At the same time, holistic refurbishment – going beyond purely energy aspects – increases in importance. This comes with enormous opportunities that are not completely exploited yet in many cases. 

In parallel, digitalisation has long since shifted from being merely a nice-to-have to a standard. Companies are faced with the challenge of finding matching software solutions, integrating digital processes in meaningful ways and safely complying with data privacy and the GDPR. Especially smaller and medium-sized companies need guidance and support to help them in their daily business here.  

Another important point is the comprehensibility of standards and legal frameworks. Complexity must not deter colleagues in the trade and therefore hands-on interpretation and clear guidelines are indispensable.  

Last not least, we should succeed in making the product that is glass more emotional: moving away from a purely functional product towards a high-tech material with creative power and fascination – a material that inspires and whose values are communicated actively.

What is needed in the Association’s view to attract and retain more young talent to the glazier trade?

Robert Schmitz: Visibility is the be-all and end-all – in the media, at vocational trade fairs and in schools we have to be at least as visible as comparable trades. What is needed here are clear, easy-to-implement concepts, materials and support for guild members so that recruitment of young talent does not fail due to organisational hurdles.  

Just as important is skills building for educators in the field. Training companies have to be supported, accompanied and professionalised. Young people today expect to have perspectives, recognition and a clear vision. And companies need to clearly convey what the trade has to offer, providing orientation and pride in the profession.  

Negative vocational training experiences spread quickly. Which is why proper support, respect and clear future orientation are decisive to retaining apprentices.  

Beyond this, parents and society should also be more involved. Skilled crafts offer a safe, future-proof perspective – especially in times of increasing automation and AI. This message must be communicated in a self-confident way.

Handwerk Live

The glazier trade is a key player in the glass industry – and also represented at glasstec for that very reason. The special show “Handwerk Live” in 2024 provided a unique platform for information and exchange on the trends and developments in the industry. A format that confirms: if industry and skilled crafts enter into dialogue this gives rise to more than just a trade fair experience.

With a view to glasstec: Which topics should the glass community discuss more in depth with skilled crafts?

Robert Schmitz: Skilled crafts should become more centrestage in the dialogue with industry and producers. Glaziers are often the first port of call for consulting, sales and long-term customer relations. An open exchange on expectations, purchasing conditions, sales channels and partnership-based cooperation would be desirable – ideally in the form of structured discussion formats or round tables.

At the same time, the trade fair should be increasingly used to talk about digitalisation and industry-specific software solutions. Which tools really fit operational requirements? Which best-practice examples are there? 

Equally valuable would be an exchange on how successful firms recruit, inspire and retain talent in the long run. That link between technical progress, entrepreneurial practice and pride in craftsmanship holds enormous potential – provided industry and skilled crafts think ahead together.