Germany is facing a huge skilled worker shortage; a new report shows.
The new study, carried out by the economic research institute Prognos, claims that by 2030 Germany will face a shortage of 3 million skilled workers. This figure will rise to 3.3 million by 2040.
An ageing population is one reason for the predicted shortfall in jobs. As many Germans reach retirement age, it is feared there are not enough young Germans with the relevant skills to replace them. For some time now, Germany has been seen by many experts as not doing enough to encourage skilled immigrants from outside the EU to settle in the country.
Another reason behind the expected skilled worker shortage is that technology, and the digitization of many sectors, will see some professions simply lose importance. Therefore, young Germans will be less likely to study and earn qualifications in certain fields.
The study suggests skilled workers will become scarce though all sectors. Occupations such as truck drivers, accountants, credit analysts and real estate brokers are all likely to see large numbers of workers replaced by electronic systems in the long-term.
In the short-term, the Prognos report sees a shortage of managers, researchers, engineers, doctors, nurses and medical assistants as early as 2020.
The study was conducted assuming that net-migration to Germany will remain steady at around 200,000 people a year over the coming years.
The German government is set to publish its own report about employment next week.
Article published 31st August 2017