German skilled labor and leadership shortages

The German economy is facing significant challenges due to a widespread shortage of skilled labor and leadership vacancies.

In the shipbuilding sector, the Association for Shipbuilding and Marine Technology (VSM) reports that industry growth is being hindered by a lack of qualified personnel. Managing Director Reinhard Lüken indicated that while some workers may transition from the automotive industry, the sector requires additional recruitment from abroad. Lüken expressed concern that political shifts involving the AfD could cause “real damage” to the economy by impacting the recruitment of foreign specialists.

This trend is reflected more broadly across the German economy. The Federal Employment Agency has identified 157 bottleneck professions for 2025, including nursing, medicine, construction, and trades. A survey by the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry found that 36 percent of companies struggle to fill vacancies, a figure exceeding 40 percent for small and medium-sized enterprises. Additionally, 83 percent of companies expect negative impacts from these shortages in the coming years, while unoccupied leadership roles are causing delayed decisions and lost project momentum.