Where will the skilled workers come from in the future?

Job advertisements and no applicants - that could become the rule. Among the young generation, the topic of training is low on the agenda and motivation is also definitely an issue. For this reason, companies must make a much greater effort in many respects if they still want to have chances of finding skilled workers in the future.

Low unemployment rates and, in many sectors, more job offers than applicants already give workers a relatively long lever. They increasingly have the choice - not the employers. The situation on the labour market will become more difficult at a rapid pace in the coming years. For many young people, a craft apprenticeship tends to be considered less desirable. Among the desired professions of school leavers, professions such as process mechanic for coating technology or galvaniser are not in the top ranks. This is an enormous challenge for surface technology companies. But how can these companies also be attractive employers and offer working conditions that can stand up to competition?
The companies must invest considerably more than before in the topic of training and learn to motivate young people. Salaries must become more attractive - both during training and afterwards. Many people are not aware that, for example, extremely attractive job profiles and development opportunities are available through further training to become a technician - including management positions. With the AV-Dual model, there is a very successful programme in Baden-Württemberg to introduce weaker young people to training and to close knowledge gaps. The AV-Dual model could be transferred to other federal states. All in all, companies must devote much more initiative to the topic of training in order to strengthen Germany as a business location in the long term.