The shortage of skilled workers in key professions involved in the energy transition is becoming increasingly acute. Craft and technical professions, which are essential for the expansion of renewable energies, are particularly affected. This is the result of a study by the Competence Centre for Securing Skilled Workers (Kofa) at the employer-friendly German Economic Institute (IW).

According to the study, there is a particular shortage of construction electricians, who are needed for the installation of solar panels and wind turbines, for example. Over 18,300 positions in this area remained unfilled in 2024 – 2.9 per cent more than in the previous year.

In electrical engineering, i.e. the installation and maintenance of charging stations for electric cars, the shortage of skilled workers rose by ten per cent to over 14,200 unfilled positions. Electrical engineers, who are more highly qualified academics, are also in demand.