CelinaGWorking in Germany
Would you like to work in one of the world’s most economically powerful countries? Germany is home not only to European football but also some very cool cities such as Berlin, Cologne or Frankfurt. What makes this country so great are their strong economy and innovative culture! There isn’t enough workforce, though, which means that skilled foreigners have been coming over from all over the world.
Germany is the perfect country for you if your goal is to have a high-paying job with opportunities at home and abroad. It’s not only one of Europe’s largest economies, but it also has a shortage of skilled workers, that needs to be filled by international professionals such as yourself!
Boom in the German economy – record after record
Good news: Economic activity is up in Germany. Strong consumption is boosting the economy. In 2016, gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 1.9 percent – the strongest increase since 2011.
Employment level at record high
And employment levels hit a record high this month. With 43.3 million people in work, there are currently more people employed in Germany than at any time since reunification.
Foreign trade flourishing
And what about foreign trade? Despite international crises, imports and exports are flourishing. Figures for November 2016 show exports worth 108.5 billion euros and imports worth 85.8 billion euros – both figures at an all-time high.
Innovation investment going strong
Spending on innovation is also rising to record levels: In 2015, German industry invested more than ever before, to the tune of 157.4 billion euros. Spending was thus 8.8 percent higher than in 2014.
The five most innovative industries are vehicle manufacturing, IT services, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering.
Not surprisingly, these are also the industries in which demand for labor is growing and companies often find it difficult to recruit staff.
Low unemployment rate –
Better opportunities for foreign skilled workers
That’s not all: The unemployment rate also breaks a record and, at under 2.795 million unemployed, is the lowest it has been in 25 years.
Shortage of skilled workers –
Germany needs foreign skilled workers
Germany is experiencing a shortage of skilled workers, which will become even more acute in the future. The area of mathematicians, computer scientists, natural scientists and technicians (MINT) and the health and care sector are particularly affected. The background to this is demographic change: Younger people are becoming fewer, older people are becoming more – this is the result of the low birth rate in Germany. There is a shortage of young people, not only to meet the growing demand for employees. But also to replace the workers who are retiring. That is why Germany is dependent on qualified immigration. And: Migration from EU countries is not enough. That’s why skilled workers from non-EU countries are increasingly in demand.
The shortage of skilled workers is a major concern for companies in Germany, according to an entrepreneur survey. It ranked as one of their top business risks and even topped it over the euro crisis! Already now, businesses are feeling tight when you think about what they need practically- this will only get worse down the road if something isn’t done soon or somebody finds out how bad things really gotten.
So what do you think? Are you convinced that Germany is a great place to work? Do you have any questions about the process of getting a job here or living in Germany? Leave me a comment below, and I’ll be happy to answer them. And don’t forget to subscribe to my blog, so you can stay up-to-date on all the latest news and information about life in Germany.
