The German labour market changes according to the different regions of the country. For example, in the regions of the former East Germany it is harder to find work because unemployment is higher, while in the regions of the former West Germany there is almost no unemployment and it is much easier to find work. So what are the most in-demand jobs in Germany?
Each region has specific characteristics, and the type of workers needed varies.
Most in-demand jobs in Germany for highly skilled workers
For highly skilled workers, the greatest job opportunities in Germany are for professionals in engineering, medicine and IT.
Engineer
In Germany, the automotive and chemical sectors, to name just two examples, are highly developed, so there is a continuous demand for professionals in these sectors. The following areas of engineering are expected to have a high number of vacancies in the coming years:
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Process engineering
In these professions, the demand for talent is so great that they are often hired with only a basic knowledge of English.
Internet Technology
The IT industry is another large sector that offers countless employment opportunities. There are many multinational companies based in Germany in this sector. And even in this case, only English skills are sufficient to work.
Health
There are excellent employment opportunities for health care professionals in Germany. People with foreign medical degrees can move to the country and easily have academic qualifications recognized in order to practice the profession. So, applicants from EU and non-EU countries have the opportunity to work in Germany. The only problem with practicing these professions (doctor, nurse, midwife, physiotherapist, etc.) is that they must have excellent German language skills.
Most in-demand jobs in Germany for low skilled workers
As for jobs for low-skilled workers, they offer more opportunities in Germany:
Labourer/Warehouse Worker
There are many foreigners working in almost all factories and warehouses in Germany, so it is not difficult to find these types of jobs. Note, however, that German language skills are often required, except for some international companies like amazon, where it is possible to work in some functions with English skills only.
Courier
Courier work is also an activity that is performed almost exclusively by foreigners. Please note that this type of activity does not require a high level of German.
Shops and Supermarkets
With the growth of the retail sector, there are many employment opportunities for foreigners in Germany. There is a need for retail clerks and salespersons. Many stores are looking for staff, but in this case, good language skills are required.
Large supermarket chains are always looking for shelf cleaners (who put the goods on the shelves of a shop), and basic knowledge of the language is sufficient for this job.
Construction
There are many job opportunities for construction workers in Germany, carpenters, bricklayers, tilers, plumbers, electricians, painters to simple labourers are in high demand. Almost all workers in the construction industry are foreigners, so there is often already a compatriot on the team who knows German, newcomers are not even required to know the language.
Trucker
Truck driver is another job that Germans do not want to do. Therefore, the job opportunities in Germany for truck drivers are good. Basic knowledge of the German language is often required for this type of job.
Job opportunities in Germany, conclusion
There is no shortage of jobs in Germany. Every year, hundreds of thousands of new workers are recruited from abroad to meet the country’s growing need for labor. The important thing is to have the right skills, at least a basic knowledge of the German language, and to know where to look.
If you want all the information on how to work in Germany I suggest you read the Guide to working in Germany
