The VDE Committee on Education, Career, and Society (VDE SBG) points this out. The experts are observing a recovery in the job market—but at the same time warn against underestimating the long-term trend.

An important indicator for this assessment is the so-called “shortage ratio,” as defined by the IW Cologne. It describes the ratio of unemployed skilled workers to job openings. For electrical engineers, this figure was at a low point at the beginning of the year but remained above the threshold for so-called “shortage occupations.” By mid-year, the ratio had risen again by about one-third. At the same time, the number of job openings in the electrical industry increased significantly.

“The long-awaited turnaround in the job market appears to have finally happened; it seems we’ve passed the lowest point,” says Dr. Michael Schanz, the VDE official in charge of the committee. “A degree in electrical and information technology is and remains a recommended choice with good prospects.”

The shortage of skilled workers is also affecting colleges and universities

The consequences of the tight talent market are not limited to companies. Universities are also feeling the impact. Professors who serve on the VDE committee are already reporting difficulties in filling doctoral positions and positions for research assistants. In the long term, this could impair research performance and also affect teaching and knowledge transfer.

“The low number of graduates is becoming increasingly noticeable in the job market, as well as at the universities themselves. This is bad for economic development and also has a negative impact on innovation and technology transfer,” says Prof. Dr. Kira Kastell, President of Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences and Chair of the VDE SBG.

Several trends are converging here. According to the VDE, some universities are scaling back their offerings in electrical engineering programs despite the field’s importance for future economic development. At the same time, the association’s research shows that just under 60 percent of bachelor’s students leave their programs without earning a degree.

“These high dropout rates and longer program durations—a bachelor’s degree program today takes about as long on average as a Diplom program used to—further exacerbate the situation from the perspective of hiring companies,” says Thomas Hegger, HR consultant and vice chair of the VDE SBG.

Retirement Meets a Shortage of New Talent

According to the VDE, the situation is expected to worsen in the coming years. One reason for this is the age structure of the industry. The association’s research shows that as early as 2027, for the first time, more than twice as many electrical engineers will be retiring as will be entering the workforce from universities.

To counteract this trend in the long term, the VDE is focusing on recruiting the next generation. Its initiatives range from programs for students and young professionals through the association’s own YoungNet, to event days and competitions such as “INVENT a CHIP” for high school students, and even programs for younger children.

For elementary school-aged children, the VDE SBG has published seven books in the series “…and the Female Electrical Engineer Can.” The goal is to introduce children to the possibilities of electrical and information technology.

“The goal here is to present, in a way that’s accessible to children, the fascinating possibilities that electrical and information technology holds for young talents,” explains Michael Schanz, a spokesperson for the VDE SBG. “For example, it can ‘smell’ the future, count raindrops, send messages around the corner, or even help with hearing.”

Two more books were published this month: “… Seeing Through Steel” and “… Building with Light.”