As Germany continues to face a significant shortage of skilled workers, a recent study by the Institut der Deutschen Wirtschaft (IW) sheds light on the professions that will be most in demand in the coming years. The study highlights the sectors where the need for skilled professionals is expected to grow the most by 2027.
Key Findings
- Sales Professionals: The largest gap is expected in the sales sector, with a projected shortage of around 37,000 skilled workers by 2027. This highlights the increasing importance of sales roles in driving business growth and customer engagement.
- Childcare and Education: Despite an anticipated 26% increase in the number of childcare workers, the demand will outpace supply, leading to a shortage of approximately 27,600 professionals in this field. This underscores the critical need for more educators and childcare providers to support early childhood development.
- Social Work and Social Pedagogy: Although the gap in social work is expected to decrease, there will still be a significant shortfall of about 22,200 professionals. This sector is vital for supporting vulnerable populations and ensuring social welfare.
- Healthcare and Nursing: The healthcare sector will face a shortage of 20,300 nurses and healthcare professionals. This is a pressing issue given the aging population and the increasing demand for healthcare services.
- Information Technology: The IT sector will need an additional 19,000 experts. As technology continues to advance, the demand for skilled IT professionals will remain high to support digital transformation and cybersecurity.
- Medical Professionals: There will be a shortage of 16,100 medical professionals, highlighting the ongoing need for doctors and specialists to provide quality healthcare.
- Elderly Care: The elderly care sector will face a gap of 15,500 professionals. With an aging population, the demand for elderly care services is expected to rise significantly.
- Construction and Electrical Engineering: Both the construction planning and supervision sector and the electrical engineering sector will each face a shortage of 15,500 professionals. These roles are crucial for infrastructure development and maintenance.
- Logistics and Warehouse Management: The logistics sector will need an additional 13,600 professionals to manage the growing demands of supply chain and warehouse operations.
Projected Vacancies for 2027
| Sector | Projected Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Sales | 37,000 |
| Childcare and Education | 27,600 |
| Social Work and Social Pedagogy | 22,200 |
| Healthcare and Nursing | 20,300 |
| Information Technology | 19,000 |
| Medical Professionals | 16,100 |
| Elderly Care | 15,500 |
| Construction Planning and Supervision | 15,500 |
| Electrical Engineering | 15,500 |
| Logistics and Warehouse Management | 13,600 |
The findings from the IW study highlight the urgent need for strategic planning and investment in education and training to address the growing skills gap. By focusing on these key sectors, Germany can better prepare for the future and ensure a robust and resilient workforce.
