The shortage of skilled labour is putting the expansion of renewable energy in Germany at risk, including offshore wind power. According to a recent model calculation by the Institute for Employment Research (IAB), around 157,000 additional workers will be needed by 2030 to deliver the energy transition. A further 40,000 will be required for climate adaptation measures.
The IAB highlights that several sectors essential for offshore wind are particularly affected:
- Energy technology (average time to fill vacancies: 112 days)
- Electrical engineering (114 days)
- Building construction (100 days)
- Construction materials and mineral production (104 days)
These figures show that even today it takes more than three months on average to fill vacancies in these areas, with the trend increasing.
The Foundation Offshore-Windenergie stresses that offshore wind is central to the energy transition and security of supply, but warns that ambitious expansion targets cannot be met without sufficient skilled labour. The foundation sees the IAB’s figures as a clear indication of the need for action.
It calls for a comprehensive skilled labour strategy, including:
- Early vocational guidance at school level, starting from grade 5, with subjects similar to “Fit4Life” already implemented in higher grades in Schleswig-Holstein
- Stronger focus on science and technical professions in schools, with regional programmes linked to the energy sector
- Closer cooperation with schools, with more workshops on career orientation to support teachers, such as the foundation’s WIN(D)SCHOOL initiative
- Greater involvement of energy companies to offer internships and introductory programmes, helping young people make informed career choices
- Efforts to make technical professions more attractive to girls and young women, and to promote diversity in the workforce
- Targeted support for career changers, including older workers and migrants, with practical and accessible qualification programmes
- Faster recognition of foreign qualifications to reduce bureaucratic barriers and make better use of existing potential
The foundation calls for coordinated efforts by government, industry, and society. It argues that only by making technical careers more attractive, broadening recruitment, and reducing qualification barriers can the offshore wind sector expand successfully and the energy transition be achieved.
