Skilled labor shortage: Chemical industry aims to secure more apprenticeships

The chemical industry in eastern Germany is facing a critical shortage of skilled workers, prompting employers and unions to collaborate on a new initiative to safeguard apprenticeships. This joint effort comes after a substantial drop in new training contracts, raising alarms about the future workforce.

According to the employers' association Nordostchemie, member companies offered 33% fewer apprenticeships last year compared to the previous year, with only 531 positions filled out of 586 available. This represents a 30% decrease in filled positions from 2024.

Industry leaders attribute this decline to a challenging economic climate, characterized by high energy and production costs, intense international competition, and a lack of investment, leading to site closures. Simultaneously, the demand for qualified personnel is rising as a significant number of experienced employees are set to retire in the coming years.

“

The training numbers in our region are alarming.

"The training numbers in our region are alarming," stated Stephanie Albrecht-Suliak, state district manager for the mining, chemical, and energy union (IGBCE). To counter this trend, the new initiative will include a social media campaign for recruitment, a support program for training companies, and professional development opportunities for training managers.

Nora Schmidt-Kesseler, CEO of Nordostchemie, emphasized the importance of apprenticeships, calling them "the most important investment in the future of our industry." Both the employers' association and the union have issued a joint appeal urging companies to maintain their commitment to training, even during economic downturns, and to utilize available support programs. They stress that training remains essential for meeting future skilled labor needs and strengthening eastern Germany's industrial base.

“

Training is the most important investment in the future of our industry.