The shortage of skilled labour in Germany is an issue in many sectors. In the transport sector the lack has recently grown the most in relative terms.

According to a study by the Competence Centre for Securing Skilled Labour (Kofa) of the Institute of German Business (IW), which is closely linked to employers, the demand for bus and tram drivers has increased by a whopping 89% compared to the previous year. Specifically, 3,594 positions could not be filled with suitably qualified candidates. The number of vacancies for train drivers rose by 45% to more than 4,000.

The reasons for the growing gap lie in the increasing demand for personnel in the public transport sector, as Germany is pushing ahead with the transition to sustainable, more climate-friendly transport. However, demographic change is also making a significant contribution to the need for skilled labour in this sector, as many people will be retiring in the coming years and fewer young people will be joining them.

For foreign professional drivers in particular, this shortage of skilled labour opens up interesting opportunities for their own professional career in Germany.