A new start for skilled workers: Hanover is fighting the shortage!

A new start for skilled workers: Hanover is fighting the shortage!

There is a lot of rumblings in Germany when it comes to the shortage of skilled workers. Companies have difficulty finding suitable employees, particularly in the craft and catering sectors. A ray of hope in the darkness is the start-up New Start Germany from Hanover, which supports companies by specifically placing skilled workers from abroad. Since its founding two years ago, the initiative has already successfully filled 60 vacancies in order to address the acute need for qualified personnel NDR reported.

The team around Max Krüger and Naser Nek Capric has built a truly international team of experts with a broad network of specialists from 20 countries, including Serbia and Portugal. Companies can contact New Start Germany and indicate their specific requirements for skilled workers. They are also available to help with bureaucratic hurdles, such as visa issues or registering with health insurance companies. This makes the integration process much easier for many job seekers.

Skilled labor shortage – a nationwide problem

The situation not only affects large cities like Cologne, which remain desirable for skilled workers. In rural areas, however, the situation is more critical. According to a study by the Competence Center for Securing Skilled Workers (Kofa), there are no suitable applicants for around 42% of all open skilled workers positions in Germany. In rural regions the figure is almost 62%, which poses immense challenges for companies there. When we look at medical care, it becomes particularly clear: without foreign skilled workers, many practices and hospitals could have to close, as one in six nursing staff now comes from abroad New Start Germany reported.

There is another problem: the integration of these specialists is often hindered by lengthy recognition processes for professional qualifications. A targeted policy to make immigration easier could help here; Proposals, for example from KfW Bank, advocate an efficient distribution of asylum seekers based on the number of vacancies.

Future outlook and necessary measures

At a time when the age structure in Germany is becoming more and more of a challenge, it is crucial to create the most attractive framework conditions. Studies show that the workforce in rural areas could shrink by 9% over the next decade, while a slight decline of 8% is expected in large cities. What this means for politics is that action is required here. Investments in research, innovation and better infrastructure are essential to making rural regions attractive to working people.

The federal government has already taken steps to advance the skilled workers strategy. One aspect is the Skilled Immigration Act of 2020, which makes it easier to recruit foreign skilled workers - even without there being a shortage of jobs. However, the path to true integration remains rocky, as language barriers and foreign work cultures often lead to longer training times.

Overall, it is clear that the shortage of skilled workers not only affects large cities, but also has a serious impact on rural regions. The challenges are complex, but with the right approach and targeted policies, a positive rethink can occur. In North Rhine-Westphalia alone, which includes Cologne, comprehensive measures could be urgently needed to counteract an impending economic slump, as reported by bpb.de is shown.