economy

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.

For most german industries the crisis seems to be overcome. But in the construction industry demand still decreases. This mainly affects the order figures.

According to the Federal Statistical Office, in September 2010 there were 1.1 percent less orders compared to 2009.
Indeed in construction work above groundlevel the demand increased by 1.2 percent but, in civil engineering underground the demand decreased by 3.2 percent.
In September 2010, the industry reached a turnover of 8.3 billion Euros, 1.6 percent more than in September 2009.
At the same time 1.7 percent less employees were engaged.

According to the latest economic survey of the “Zentralverbandes des Deutschen Baugewerbes” the companies in public construction are in a rather bad mood when talking about the current situation. In commercial construction, however, the mood is balanced. Despite of a weak September in 2010, the sector counts better order rates in the first nine month of 2010 than in 2009. However, a satisfying sales volume wasn’t achieved. According to the statistical figures, the number of orders increased by 2.3 percent whereas the total sales volume decreased by 4 percent.
In October 2010 the “Zentralverbandes des Deutschen Baugewerbes” expected a sales drop of 1.5 percent for the whole year 2010. In the beginning of the year 2010 the association assumed a constant development.

Do these figures meet your experiences? Do you see the current situation as a threat or rather as a chance?

Based on Manager Magazin