German construction ‘will be short of 100,000 workers by 2030’

German construction industry association Bauindustrie has welcomed federal government support to increase the number of construction workers. The body estimates the sector will be short of 100,000 workers by 2030. 

There will be a shortage of workers in the industry by 2030 (Photo: Adobe Stock)

Germany’s construction sector has recruited around 460,000 people since the low point in employment in 2009, but by 2030 there will be a shortage of over 100,000, mainly because of the ageing workforce.

Tim-Oliver Müller, Director General of BauIndustrie, said; “As in many sectors, the pressure for skilled workers is increasing in construction and the need to attract young people with attractive conditions and interesting job descriptions.”

Müller, speaking at a joint industry-government summit on skills shortages in the industry, said the recruitment of skilled workers represented the biggest risk for contractors.

He said; “greater emphasis must be placed on involving the existing pool of workers in the technological and digital transformation through qualifications.

“Increased use of digital tools and processes, as well as the reduction of administrative expenses through the standardisation of regulations and the dovetailing of planning and construction, can contribute to increasing the added value, even with fewer personnel.”