Inclusive vocational training in the craft sector: How a car workshop enables work participation

The idea for the concept came from her own life; "We ourselves have a son with a so-called mental disability who works in a workshop for people with disabilities and for whom the primary labor market would not be suitable," explains Sandra Wörtz, assistant to the management at Wörtz-Car-Works GmbH. At the same time, she provides professional support to people with learning difficulties and mental illnesses, and has noticed that many of them have much more potential. "At some point, I said to myself: there has to be another way and it can't always be the path from special school to a workshop for people with disabilities."

When the couple decided to set up their own car business, one thing was clear: it was not going to be a business "like any other". "We said: let's just turn the normal car workshop into an inclusive business and see how we can manage it."

Right from the start, the Wörtz's actively sought support. "We got in touch with the Inclusion Office, with all the providers, with the Chamber of Crafts, with the Employment Agency." At a "round table" where all the relevant people were connected, it quickly became clear that the need was there, but many companies were hesitant.

The next step was logical: not just employment, but also training. Since September 1, 2025, apprentice Niko has been completing his apprenticeship as a vehicle maintenance technician – on the job market, not with the support of an employer. He attends a regular vocational school and is accompanied there by sign language interpreters.

Accessibility was not added later, but was considered from the outset and nothing was left to chance when moving into the new space. "We asked our employee in a wheelchair, Melanie Fischer, to really test drive everything to see where her workplace would be."

It wasn't the employees who had to adapt – it was the workplace. "We didn't decide where to put which desk, we said we would adapt it to her disability."

In the workshop, people with and without disabilities work together as a natural part of the process. The attitude is crucial here.

"Anyone who wants to join us is very welcome, but they must fully accept people with disabilities."

This also has a positive effect on the working atmosphere: respectful interaction, flat hierarchies, a strong sense of community.

The fact that inclusive vocational training works in the craft sector can be seen in the everyday lives of the trainees. For Niko, the path to the car workshop was a conscious decision based on his interests. Digital aids, clear structures and selective support enable him to complete his training in the company and at vocational school. The decisive factor is an environment that is open and finds solutions together.

Other companies are often put off by uncertainty and the supposedly high costs involved. For Sandra Wörtz, it is clear what is important: "In any case, courage."

Small and medium-sized companies in particular have great potential. "Companies shouldn't always say it can't be done. There is a solution for everything. You just have to want it." As the car workshop shows: Participation in the workplace is also possible in the craft sector – not as an exception, but as a realistic option.

Published on: January 16, 2026