Because there is a shortage of skilled workers: Switzerland’s cutting-edge technology is at risk of emigration abroad

Jobs at risk

The need for new personnel in industrial companies corresponds to 29 percent of the existing workforce. Many new jobs are being filled because of the upcoming wave of retirements; Many industrial companies are aging.

There are also production expansions. Highly specialized Swiss industrial companies are increasingly exporting products all over the world; They are world market leaders and monopolies in many areas. But only those with the necessary staff can continue to grow. And the longer it goes on, the more problematic it becomes. “This weakens Switzerland as a workplace,” warns Stefan Studer (62), Managing Director of Employees of Switzerland. “Investments and employment will go away, our country will be left behind.”

From office desk to workbench

The greatest need for new workers is in polymechanics, metalworking and similar professions. Engineers, IT specialists, mathematicians and natural scientists are also in great demand among industrial companies.

In relative terms, the shortage is greatest among ICT professionals: 100 vacancies compared to 16 unemployed. The situation is the opposite for general office and secretarial employees. There are 252 unemployed people for every 100 open positions.

Shifting excess secretarial staff to IT or engineering jobs doesn’t happen overnight. But it’s a plausible solution. Four years ago, the industry created “MEM Passarelle” for this purpose. It is aimed to enable those who change careers to make a breakthrough in the sector. Studer thinks this transition is especially beneficial for people working in jobs with little future prospects. “What could be better than working on the best Swiss product that will one day be used in space?”

Foreign skilled workers should step in

Employees in Switzerland insist on digitalization as well as retraining and further training: In cases where an IT specialist is not available, a machine can come into play. Additionally, existing skilled workers must continue working beyond retirement age.

But this won’t work without foreign help: “Domestic potential is not enough,” explains Studer. Swiss Employees calls for refugees to be given quick access to the labor market and for foreign diplomas to be easily recognized.