Red alert! There will be a shortage of 6,480 skilled workers in the Vogelsberg district by 2030!

Red alert! There will be a shortage of 6,480 skilled workers in the Vogelsberg district by 2030!

In a recently held future workshop in the Vogelsberg district, the pressing issue of securing skilled workers was addressed. Claudia Wesner, head of the skilled workers department for Hesse, presented a concept that deals with the alarming forecasts for the region. By 2030, there could be a shortage of around 6,480 skilled workers and 610 workers without a professional or university degree in the Vogelsberg district Upper Hessian newspaper reported.

The main cause of this shortage of skilled workers is the age-related withdrawal of employees from the labor market. District Administrator Dr. Jens Mischak (CDU) emphasized that the situation had been monitored for some time and that there was a need for action. Around 50 representatives from companies, administrations, vocational schools and institutions took part in the future workshop to find solutions together.

Challenges and solutions

The challenges for companies are varied. In addition to the shortage of skilled workers, the lack of economic growth and bureaucratic hurdles are key issues. Digitalization and structural change bring additional complexity, especially in social professions that are heavily affected by age fluctuation. According to Wesner, securing skilled workers therefore has not only short-term but also long-term dimensions until the 2050s.

Key aspects discussed during the workshop include the transition from school to work, the compatibility of family, care and work, and securing skilled workers through immigration. Dr. Christa Larsen, the head of the IWAK, emphasized that the Vogelsbergkreis is actively working on securing skilled workers in order to meet the challenges.

Forecasts and future developments

Future developments show that age-related fluctuation is expected to peak in 2027. While digitalization and structural change continue in certain sectors, the shortage of skilled workers in social professions is not expected to ease. The working group topics also included crafts, industry, logistics and public administration. The need to secure skilled workers for these areas is at the top of the agenda.

The Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs continues to analyze labor market flows of supply and demand, taking into account demographic change, digitalization and geopolitical situations. Projections show that over the next five years, 618,000 people without degrees will enter the job market, while only 396,000 helper positions are available.

In order to meet these challenges, potential was identified among women, older people and migrants who should be more closely integrated into the labor market in the future. Immigration and a higher propensity to work could help close the gaps caused by the decline in the workforce.

For anyone who would like to find out more about the skilled workers initiative and the relevant labor market data, further details are available on the website Hessian career forecasts as well as on the website Federal Employment Agency to find.