# German skilled labor and leadership shortages

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/german-skilled-labor-and-leadership-shortages
> Updated: 2026-09-14T13:43:30.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

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.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-14: Leadership vacancies and labor shortages impact German companies

Leadership vacancies and skilled labor shortages in Germany are creating operational risks, with 83 percent of companies expecting negative impacts from the ongoing shortage of qualified personnel.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/leadership-vacancies-and-labor-shortages-impact-german-companies

### 2026-08-20: German shipbuilding industry faces labor shortages amid growth

The German shipbuilding industry is growing but faces a severe skilled labor shortage. Industry leaders warn that political shifts could hinder the recruitment of necessary foreign specialists.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-shipbuilding-industry-faces-labor-shortages-amid-growth

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Cite as: German skilled labor and leadership shortages. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/german-skilled-labor-and-leadership-shortages