Top 10 In-Demand Skills in Germany

Germany is facing a severe skilled labor shortage and almost 700,000 job vacancies are cut across various sectors of the economy. Reacting to this skill shortage in a news conference, Germany's Economic Minister, Robert Habeck, said "We lack hands and minds." Explaining this statement, he adds that the higher number of vacancies are due to the aging population and lack of skills due to less vocational training. 

According to reports, several sectors in Germany, including transportation, healthcare, information technology, and engineering, are experiencing the highest skill shortages. 

Which Skills are in Demand in Germany?

Germany is looking for certain skills like healthcare skills and language skills to support its economic growth in the coming years. Let's talk about them in detail. 

1. Engineering Skills 

Germany has about 15,000 engineering jobs open each year. This isn't because there aren't enough candidates, but because of a skill gap. The demand for engineers in Germany is on a steep rise, driven largely by advancements in Industry 4.0, which is reshaping the industrial landscape. As automation, data exchange, and smart technologies become central to manufacturing, the need for skilled engineers to lead this transformation has increased significantly. 

Moreover, as industries strive for greater efficiency and sustainability, engineers are playing a crucial role in this transition. In fact, 73% of companies claim that Industry 4.0 technologies are instrumental in reducing CO₂ emissions, making engineers key players in not only innovation but also sustainability efforts.

2. Cybersecurity Skills

Cybersecurity is another field in Germany with a severe skills shortage. According to Fortinet, the cybersecurity skills gap is a global issue, and Germany is no exception. In fact, 50% of the companies say lack of training and upskilling opportunities is one of the biggest challenges in addressing this talent shortage. Companies in Germany are looking for candidates with expertise in Cloud Security, Identity and Access Management (IAM), Cyber Threat Intelligence and Malware Analysis.

According to the 2024 Cybersecurity Skills Gap report from Fortinet, 91% of the companies, both in Germany and globally, prefer to hire candidates with relevant certifications. Therefore, upskilling in this field can significantly improve job prospects in Germany and beyond.

3. Nursing Skills

Nursing is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after professions in Germany due to the aging population. As life expectancy rises and birth rates decline, the healthcare system faces immense pressure. This demographic shift has created an urgent need for skilled nurses to care for the elderly and chronically ill.

With predictions that Germany will need to recruit around 690,000 nurses by 2049, developing nursing skills or upskilling in this field can be extremely beneficial. The government recognizes this shortage and is likely to invest in training programs and recruitment efforts to meet the growing demand. Which is why developing nursing-related skills can help a job seeker get a good job in the industry.   

4. IT Skills

A recent analysis by Bitkom revealed that Germany is experiencing the largest personnel shortage in the IT industry.There are almost 149,000 IT jobs unfilled in Germany. Bitkom President Dr. Ralf Wintergerst said, "Too few skilled workers and too much regulation are holding back digital Germany." He adds that the country is not able to bridge the skill gap and in the coming years it will get even worse. So, investing in IT skills would be beneficial for getting an IT-related job in Germany.

5. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Skills

Germany's AI landscape is growing fast, and Germany is becoming a major player in the global AI scene. With market projections of $12.79 billion by 2024 the surge in AI initiatives shows not only Germany's technological capabilities but also its commitment to innovation through government backed programs like "AI Made in Germany." This program promotes collaboration between startups and established companies to create a strong ecosystem for AI development in key cities like Berlin, Munich and Hamburg.

But this growth comes with its challenges, such as a big skill shortage in the workforce. As industries from automotive to healthcare are adopting AI the demand for qualified professionals is outpacing the supply. Companies are looking for talent in areas like AI research, software engineering and data science which has created a competitive job market where AI and machine learning skills are in high demand.

6. Driving Skills

Driving is more than just a must in Germany; it's a key skill, especially with logistics being so important in the country. Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) are the biggest players in the transport of goods, followed by railways, inland waterways and maritime transport.

By 2030, decarbonised transport systems will change the industry, and the demand for skilled workers will increase. However, the shortage of professional drivers is already a problem, and 70,000 drivers are needed. This growing demand creates thousands of new jobs every year and driving is one of the most in demand skills in Germany.

7. Digital Marketing Skills

Germany has a growing internet usage, with over 97.5% of the population  using the internet. This broad reach provides a huge audience for digital marketing and these skills are getting more valuable.

Since COVID-19, online shopping has not stopped. Revenue is projected to reach US$98.31bn this year. With an increasing number of users every year, the demand for skilled labor is directly proportional to it.

8. Teaching Skills

According to the Education Ministers' Conference, there are 14,000 full-time teaching vacancies across the country. But experts, including economists and the GEW teachers' union, say this is an underestimate. A study by the GEW, led by Anja Bensinger-Stolze, predicts by 2035 the shortage will be 56,000 full-time positions and total vacancies (including part-time) will be half a million.

According to Germany's statistics office, 830,000 children started school in 2023—the most in two decades. This is mainly due to rising birth rates and immigration. The demand for teachers will increase in 2026 when the new law for full-day supervision of elementary school children comes into effect and will worsen the shortage even more.

9. Sales Skills

Germany, the third biggest economy in the world after the US and China, has a GDP of over €3.9 trillion and is the largest economy in Europe. Sales skills are key in this growing economy and help companies stay competitive in a changing market.

But by 2026, there will be a shortage of around 26,192 skilled workers in the sales industry, a challenge for companies to grow and meet the market demand. This is how important skilled sales professionals are in Germany's booming economy.

10. Social Working Skills

Social workers are in demand all over Germany. Whether in schools, youth welfare offices, hospitals, police or prison systems, most social workers work in the public sector where they are paid according to collective bargaining agreements.

Graduates of social work programs also find opportunities in the private sector, especially in company HR departments where they contribute to personnel development and employee well-being. As Germany is facing more and more social challenges the need for skilled social workers is bigger than ever.

How to Improve your Skills for the German Job market

If you want to get into the job market in Germany vocational training is your key to success. Germany is all about practical skills and you're in luck because there are excellent institutions offering vocational training across various sectors. Here are a few to consider:

• Berufsbildungswerk (BBW): The Berufsbildungswerk (BBW) offers specialized vocational training courses in various fields, including technology, healthcare, and logistics. These programs are designed to equip job seekers with the practical skills and knowledge necessary for success in their chosen professions.
• Handwerkskammer (Chamber of Crafts): The Handwerkskammer (Chamber of Crafts) provides comprehensive training programs for individuals pursuing trades such as carpentry, metalworking, and other craftsmanship fields. These programs focus on hands-on experience and technical skills, ensuring that participants are well-prepared for successful careers in their chosen trades. 
• IHK Bildungszentrum: The IHK (Chamber of Commerce and Industry) offers dual training programs that combine classroom learning with practical experience in various sectors. These programs equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for successful careers in industries like business, technology, and healthcare. These institutions can help you get the skills for a successful career in Germany's booming job market!

Conclusion

Germany's job market is expanding, with high demand for roles in IT, healthcare, and engineering. Vocational training programs offer practical, industry-relevant education that equips individuals with the hands-on experience needed to enhance their employability in a rapidly changing workforce.

However, upskilling teams is equally beneficial in this environment. For companies aiming to elevate their workforce's capabilities in the latest technologies or project management methodologies, partnering with specialized corporate training providers is essential. Edstellar stands out as a reliable solution for workforce development. 

With industry-focused training, they ensure that your team remains competitive. Their well-structured courses, interactive learning environment, and tools like the Skill Matrix to identify skill gaps make Edstellar the top choice for organizations looking to enhance both individual and team skills.