Red alert: there is a threat of a shortage of skilled workers in healthcare and construction!

Red alert: there is a threat of a shortage of skilled workers in healthcare and construction!

What’s going on in Germany and specifically in Cologne? The shortage of skilled workers is anything but a new issue in this country. Current reports show that the healthcare and construction sectors in particular have been severely affected. According to a study by the German Economic Institute (IW), more than 260,000 positions in ten sectors could not be filled last year. The shortage of skilled workers in the health sector is particularly alarming, where around 46,000 positions will remain vacant in 2024. This includes a shortage of 12,000 physiotherapists, 7,000 nursing staff and 6,800 dental assistants. This makes it clear that essential supply areas are at risk.

The situation in the construction industry also promises little improvement. There is a shortage of almost 41,300 skilled workers here, particularly in the areas of construction electrical engineering as well as plumbing, heating and air conditioning technology. The situation is also tense in public administration and social services. In the social sector alone, excluding homes, around 26,400 jobs remained unfilled, while an additional 16,400 jobs were missing in homes. This not only means that queues at health facilities are getting longer, but also that urgently needed housing construction is being slowed down.

The warnings from experts

Valeria Quispe, an IW expert, points out that these bottlenecks could have fatal consequences. It calls for targeted measures to secure skilled workers, more qualifications and better training for employees. It is also important to create incentives for a longer working life and to promote the immigration of qualified specialists. Since 2020, the IW has been calculating the need for skilled workers for around 1,300 professions, creating based results that offer insightful insights.

Unfortunately, the situation is not only evident in Germany. Internationally, health systems and other sectors face similar challenges. A look at Alberta, Canada, makes this clear. Pharmacists there are waiting for new COVID-19 vaccines while COVID-19 deaths outnumber influenza deaths by four times. Between August 2023 and August 2024, over 732 COVID-19 deaths and 177 influenza deaths were recorded in Alberta. COVID-19 was responsible for 23,933 cases, while 16,229 flu cases were registered.

Global perspectives

At a time when the travel industry is also gradually recovering, the question arises: where should we go next? In 2025, Tokyo, Paris and Bali will be among the top travel destinations. These cities offer a fascinating mix of culture, cuisine and breathtaking sights, showing that despite global health crises, the urge to travel and explore the world remains undiminished. Tokyo, for example, attracts over 31 million tourists every year and will even host the Summer Olympics next year. Such events not only promote tourism, but can also provide positive economic stimulus.

The challenges facing society as a whole, be they local or global, require rapid action. It remains exciting to see how the situation will develop in the various areas and what measures will be taken to improve it.