How one German mayor is tackling a skilled worker shortage? | DW Documentary

In Mittweida, practically half of the stores remain empty. Daycare facilities fight to have enough kids registered. Companies struggle with a lack of trained employees. This modest Saxon town has seen a drop of more than 5,000 people since Germany was reunited. Most of the drop consists of young, highly educated people. This demographic change has clear consequences seen all around the city. Material shortages force construction projects to be stopped. Machinery is being disassembled and moved to places with a better workforce availability.

Ralf Schreiber, the Mittweida Mayor, is determined in tackling the town’s skilled labor deficit. He set up a “Mayor’s Breakfast” pro-actively. Businesses in need of qualified people from several backgrounds were welcomed. They spoke with 180 job applicants supplied by the Federal Employment Agency. The regimented “speed date” system let for quick meetings that can result in long-term job ties. From truck drivers to accountants and controllers, the need for qualified professionals is pervasive.

Problems still exist even with the deliberate attempts to close the distance between companies and job seekers. Many candidates lack official training, therefore…