Young talent in focus: Innovative toy manufacturers present their skills!

Young talent in focus: Innovative toy manufacturers present their skills!

A creative project has seen the light of day in the heart of Sonneberg: a shop window in the town hall designed by the aspiring toy makers in their first year of training. This was entirely part of an initiative that puts the craft and training in the region in the spotlight. A cohort full of talented young people have demonstrated their skills here, and the official recognition from deputy mayors Martin Stingl and Christian Dressel shows how important this project is for the region.

The design of the shop window is more than just a stylish window - it shows the multi-faceted toy production in Sonneberg. With a lot of commitment, the trainees sewed large-sized plush toys themselves and covered a creative wooden stand wall with cozy Nicki fabric. There were also board games, some of which were self-designed. A QR code that leads to the information portal about the training completes the presentation.

Advertising for craftsmanship

Despite the summer anticipation, the vocational students at the Sonneberg State Vocational School (SBBS) want to leave a lasting impression with this initiative before the holidays. The three-year training at SBBS is specifically tailored to the needs of the toy trade and offers numerous perspectives in the industry. The path to training remains open until the beginning of the 2025/26 school year, but the prerequisite for this is a training contract with a company in the toy industry.

The SBBS has set itself the task of acting not only as an educational institution, but also as a source of inspiration for the future of the crafts. The school is happy to advertise its specialist class, which is unique in Germany, for toy manufacturers who are trained in a dual system. The block lessons at SBBS combine theory with practical courses at the Sonneberg Training Center (SAZ), where trainees are taught both textile and wood processing.

Career opportunities and further training

What actually happens after training? The opportunities in the toy industry are diverse. After graduating, graduates can gain a foothold at large toy manufacturers, which are particularly well represented in southern Germany. For those who want to further their education, there are various options, from master's degrees to specialized training. The master's training can be completed in around two years and expands your skills to include commercial knowledge and the opportunity to train yourself or start your own company.

The trained toy manufacturers also have the chance to make a name for themselves in design areas. A second training course as a state-certified designer gives you the opportunity to design exciting toys and packaging. Another career path is the bachelor's degree in product and industrial design, which provides extensive knowledge of design theory, mechanical engineering and creative areas.

Overall, this initiative by aspiring toy manufacturers not only offers an insight into the creative world of toys, but also an opportunity to awaken curiosity about vocational training and attract more young people to this exciting field. Together they are at the beginning of a promising path towards a future characterized by craftsmanship, which is very popular!

For more information about the training and the different activities that can be learned, take a look at the website in southern Thuringia, SBBS and training.de.