Skilled workers urgently needed: 600 training positions are waiting in Tuttlingen!

Skilled workers urgently needed: 600 training positions are waiting in Tuttlingen!

The situation in the craft sector in Baden-Württemberg remains tense. While Chamber President Werner Rottler and Ina von Cube, Minister for Economic Affairs, Labor and Tourism, emphasize the key role of crafts for future growth, they also have to deal with the challenges posed by the current skills shortages. Rottler spoke at an event and reported that there are over 600 unfilled training positions in the areas of plumbing, heating, air conditioning (SHK) and electrical engineering in the chamber district. These figures illustrate the great need for skilled workers, which continues despite the economic slowdown, as many companies want to retain their employees and not reduce them. On this occasion, Rottler also commented on the new federal government's plans, which contain both light and shadow: positive aspects include the planned housing construction turbo and the promotion of vocational training, while there are negative points such as the lack of changes to taxes and social security contributions. That's what she reports Swabian.

Second chance for professional qualification

A ray of hope in this tense situation could be the newly passed Vocational Training Validation and Digitalization Act (BvADiG), which was passed by the Bundestag. This law enables people without formal professional qualifications to have their skills and experience recognized. This creates an essential prerequisite for promoting the supply of skilled workers in the craft sector. Holger Schwannecke, Secretary General of the Central Association of German Crafts, sees this as an important measure for all adults who have acquired professional skills without formal training. However, an age limit of 25 years has been introduced, which means that all participants in the validation process must be younger in order not to endanger the company's training path. The passage was demanded by coalition factions and caused mixed reactions. Jessica Rosenthal, a member of the SPD, calls the law a significant success for vocational training, while other voices warn of a possible loss of quality. With this initiative, those responsible hope to combat the shortage of skilled workers and strengthen the industry in the long term, reports das Craft sheet.

Monitoring of skilled workers and future prospects

In the midst of these challenges, the skilled workers monitoring of the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs comes into play. This examines the bottlenecks in the labor market and predicts the need for skilled workers until 2028. A particularly worrying point is that 618,000 people without qualifications are expected to enter the labor market in the coming years, while only 396,000 helper positions will become available. In view of demographic trends, such as the decreasing number of employed people, it is clear that there is an urgent need for action. Regional differences in demographic change could lead to a worsening of skilled worker shortages, especially in structurally weak areas. The BMAS website provides an overview of current developments and forecasts.

With investments amounting to 60 million euros in the double budget for 2025/26, small and medium-sized businesses will also receive targeted support. Coventive measures will be taken for digitalization, securing skilled workers and sustainability in order to strengthen the competitiveness of the skilled trades. Ina from Cube provided information about the new medium-sized business campaign “Megastand”, which is intended to bring a breath of fresh air into this area. Innovative projects such as image campaigns in the gaming world or the “Young Crafts” innovation award for sustainable ideas for the energy transition also create perspectives for young talents.

Where is the journey leading?

Despite the challenges, the craft sector remains a reliable employer. The coming period will show whether the measures are effective and the urgently needed skilled workers can be recruited. Rottler also suggested a stronger professional orientation and more flexibility in the working time law. The trades are now required to set the course for a successful future - the next craft year could play a decisive role here. The craft sector in Baden-Württemberg is faced with great opportunities and challenges, as it represents an indispensable pillar in the construction and manufacturing industry.