Shortage of skilled workers in construction: Rottweiler company urgently demands solutions!

Shortage of skilled workers in construction: Rottweiler company urgently demands solutions!

On August 27, 2025, Daniel Karrais, the FDP member of the state parliament, visited the traditional construction company Gebrüder Stumpp in Rottweil. Managing director Oliver Stumpp reported on the pressing challenges in the construction industry. A central problem is the significant shortage of skilled workers, which not only endangers the recruitment of qualified employees, but also the economic stability of the industry. Applicants' lack of language skills represents a particular risk as it can affect work processes and safety on construction sites. According to the current analysis by bauindustrie.de, 64% of construction companies see the shortage of skilled workers as one of the greatest risks to economic development.

The Stumpp brothers not only operate as an employer for 150 employees, but are also shaping the future of the construction industry: they are currently building the new district office in Rottweil. It is striking that the order situation has increasingly shifted from private clients to the public sector. This also has to do with the current economic situation, which is leading to a decline in investments in new buildings. The high construction costs also contribute to the stagnation of housing construction.

High order volume and increasing cost pressure

Construction is receiving particular attention through current developments, such as the construction trend study by bayika.de, which states that 75% of the manufacturers surveyed see the shortage of skilled workers as a central challenge for 2025 and Classify 2026. 45% of those interviewed also point out the high construction costs, which could increase further due to material price increases and external factors such as international customs conflicts.

According to the construction industry, the housing shortage also has long-term economic consequences. 20% of the industry expect the housing shortage to remain an endemic problem. In addition, the data shows that the number of employees in the construction industry is forecast to decline to 910,000 in 2025. This development could place even further strain on the already strained personnel capacities.

Political framework conditions in focus

For Oliver Stumpp, it is essential that the political framework conditions are improved. Karrais supports this demand and emphasizes the need to reduce bureaucracy. At the same time, many players in the industry criticize the strict climate protection regulations, which not only burden the domestic economy but also result in delays and additional costs. The current economic situation is ultimately forcing many companies to rethink their human resources strategies.

The fact that the search for new trainees is desperate is shown by the fact that, despite ongoing advertisements, hardly any applications are received for training positions. Particularly in the field of civil engineering, 40% of training contracts are terminated prematurely. This contradicts the long-term need for skilled workers and the stable development for the coming years.

Cooperation between politics and business must be strengthened to ensure good business for the construction industry. Otherwise, the shortage of skilled workers could not only lead to a decline in projects in the next few years, but also to a serious economic setback.