A shortage of skilled workers and high electricity prices are putting pressure on Kempten's trades

A shortage of skilled workers and high electricity prices are putting pressure on Kempten's trades

The trades in Kempten and Oberallgäu will continue to be confronted with challenges in 2025 that will weigh heavily on the shoulders of the companies. The shortage of skilled workers in particular is a constant concern. Gottfried Voigt, managing director of the Kempten District Crafts Association, emphasizes that migration represents an important opportunity to attract qualified workers. This strategy is already having an effect: In the bakery trade, companies are seeing an easing of vacancies as they have now been able to hire workers from Southeast Asia. The feedback on the new employees is consistently positive, although prejudices about the working conditions in the trades still exist.

But while companies are finding creative solutions to combat the staff shortage, the high electricity costs are also causing problems for many of them. A large metal company has already shut down three of its CNC milling machines because they are no longer competitive. This development not only affects companies, but also the entire region. Voigt therefore urgently calls for support for energy-intensive crafts in order to compensate for competitive disadvantages.

Skilled labor shortage is an ongoing problem

Loud Statista The shortage of skilled workers remains one of the biggest challenges for the German labor market. There are currently over 387,000 open positions for qualified workers. The skilled trades and numerous other sectors, such as retail and the health professions, are particularly affected. With a vacancy rate of 86 percent, Germany is above the global average of 74 percent. This situation highlights the urgency of investing more in recruiting skilled workers.

The origins of the shortage of skilled workers are diverse: demographic change, growing skills gaps and inadequate integration of immigrants play a decisive role. Particularly noteworthy is the increase in the average age in Germany, which will rise to 44.9 years in 2024. Forecasts show that there will be seven million fewer skilled workers available in Germany by 2035, so there is a need for action.

The future of crafts

Another aspect that is under discussion is the planned switch to e-mobility. Voigt advocates a gentler transition and advocates a longer coexistence of e-mobility and combustion engines. He also sees e-fuels as a promising solution that could not only keep existing vehicles in the industry, but also contribute to sustainably securing competitiveness.

It is essential for craft businesses to adapt to the new reality and take proactive measures to meet the challenges of the future. The integration of qualified migrants, combined with innovative solutions to secure skilled workers, could be the key to success.