The lack of engineers in Germany could become an impediment for the economical growth. The “Association of German Engineers” (VDI) is going to publish a topical report concerning the economical situation of Germany related to the engineering branch. The report says the lack of engineers in Germany might become a serious problem.

The problem of skills shortage over years can cause a certain damage for the German economy in the future. According to the VDI, 69.000 engineers are missing to fill vacant positions in Germany. And the problem of skills shortage will significantly intesify the current situation until 2020.

A solution for this problem could be a higher number of engineering alumni. The VDI calls for a consistent policy of education for Germany. Currently, every German state makes its own decisions concerning the education policy. Especially binding lessons in technics for all elementary school students are of importance, as well as sparking the interest of females in engineering jobs more, says the VDI. The deficiency of women in the German engineering branch is significant: Only 12% of the German engineers are women. Especially in the management level, female employees are an exception.

According to the VDI, another solution could be older workers. 25% of the engineering companies working in critical branches, such as engine building, electrical industry, vehicle manufacturing and service, already employ so called “silver workers”, retired engineering-workers who support the companies in realising projects. The VDI believes that a higher retirement age could help these branches to be more successful, but only in combination with advanced training.

Do you think these tactics are useful? Or do you know of promising approaches to counteract the lack of specialists in other countries?

Based on: www.welt.de