Fachkräftesicherung

Fachkräftesicherung is a term used in German labor and economic policy to describe the strategic effort to ensure an adequate supply of qualified workers for the economy. It encompasses recruiting, retaining, and integrating skilled professionals across sectors, and it addresses demographic change, skill mismatches, and international competition for talent.

The concept covers multiple policy areas. Strengthening education and vocational training, including the dual system of part learning at a company and part in a training institution, aims to align qualifications with labor market needs. Expanding continuing education and lifelong learning helps workers adapt to technological change. Recognizing foreign professional qualifications and language and integration support are also central to enlarging the pool of qualified workers. In addition, improving working conditions and offering flexible career paths are part of retaining experienced personnel, including older workers.

Immigration policy is a major pillar of Fachkräftesicherung. Germany has implemented measures to facilitate skilled migration, such as the Fachkräfte-Einwanderungsgesetz (Skilled Immigration Act) enacted in 2020, and instruments like the EU Blue Card. Services provided by the Federal Employment Agency, the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), and various state institutions help with job placement, qualification recognition, and integration. Information platforms, including a Fachkräfteportal, support employers and job seekers.

Sectors with notable shortages include health care and nursing, information technology and engineering, crafts and trades, education, and logistics. Regional disparities and integration challenges persist, underscoring the need for coordinated policy across education, labor, immigration, and economic domains. The overarching goal of Fachkräftesicherung is to sustain economic growth and competitiveness by ensuring a steady supply of well-qualified workers.