A shortage of skilled workers is looming: 60,000 baby boomers are retiring!

A shortage of skilled workers is looming: 60,000 baby boomers are retiring!

The shortage of skilled workers will continue to be a major issue in the coming years. We are facing an enormous challenge, particularly in the Donau-Ries district. According to a forecast by Silke Königsberger, managing director of the Donauwörth Employment Agency, around 60,000 people subject to social security contributions will retire in the next few years. That sounds like a huge number, because only 28,000 young people will move up. It is therefore clear that it is time for us to do something to close the gap that has arisen. The agency is responsible for the districts of Dillingen, Donau-Ries, Günzburg and Neu-Ulm and faces a considerable task.

The training market situation in particular will change in the coming years. The forecast for 2025 is that the supply of training places will exceed the number of people seeking apprenticeships. According to current reports, 4,644 training places are available, of which 711 remain unfilled - a decrease of 194 compared to the previous year. This makes it clear how important trained employees are in order to counteract the shortage of skilled workers. Experts therefore emphasize the need for sound advice for young people who often do not know exactly which career is right for them.

High demand in certain professions

Demand is currently particularly high in various professions, including sales and retail, dental assistants and warehouse logistics specialists. Professions in plumbing, heating and air conditioning technology are also in high demand. However, many positions remain unfilled, which poses challenges for parents and young people alike. Many parents find it difficult to keep up with the rapid changes in training content and constantly advancing digitalization.

Of the 3,500 young people who sought career advice, many did so several times. Popular apprenticeships continue to be automotive mechatronics technicians and office jobs. In contrast, jobs in the food retail and catering industries are less desirable. The voice of Volker Zimmermann, the deputy managing director of the Swabian Chamber of Crafts, sounds optimistic. According to him, there is an encouraging trend in the trades with an increase in the number of training courses. In Donauwörth, 1,073 new training contracts were concluded - an increase of 6.87%. The opportunity to start training with craft businesses by the end of the year remains.

Economic challenges

Christian Fischer from the IHK, on ​​the other hand, emphasizes that the willingness to train in companies is generally praiseworthy, although there are signs of a leveling off due to the current economic situation. In 2025, there was a 7.2% decline in training contracts at IHK companies. The increase in training among people with a migrant background of 2.6% is positive. This shows that new paths are being taken even in difficult times.

In order to meet the challenges on the training market, it is essential to invest in equipping the district's schools. Because good training and modern teaching materials are the key to success. How the situation will develop remains exciting, but one thing is certain: the shortage of skilled workers is an issue that will accompany us in the next few years. The course for successful training must be set now.