How should we tackle the shortage of skilled workers in Switzerland?
Like many other countries, Switzerland is facing a major shortage of skilled workers. During the first quarter of 2022, the authorities registered 100,000 vacancies.
What do you think can be done to solve this problem? Are you also affected in your company or your area of work? Tell us about your experiences.
Shortage on skilled workers??? Shortage in understanding by recruiters who only pick what fits on the checklist and by pass those have partial skills, this is the problem here there are many people who are unemployed from IT but are not respected by the fact that they could be retrained if accepted by people who do not actually understand what they are recruiting for in IT, I have been given excuses such as you need a CFC to do the same job I have been doing for 30 years and because it’s thirty years the experience there is another level of ageism that comes into play with answers like we have a young team here or your German mother tongue is not local dialect German, So what ??? You need an experienced person or something else? Under all that pretence.
I live in a small village near Zurich in a family friendly settlement. The vast majority of women having children around me either do not work at all, or work part-time jobs that require less commitment and offer poorer career opportunities. Switzerland has this traditional model where men work and pursue their careers and women are there to support them and to take care of children and household. It is very much understandable that women choose to stay home for several years when having kids simply because the costs of childcare are astronomical, not many families can afford having 2 or even more children and pay for the Krippe, Mittagstisch, or Hort. And the most vulnerable among those are single parent families. Switzerland is a modern country in many aspects, however is far behind many less developed countries (take Eastern Europe for example) in terms of social equality between men and women. If the country had better childcare many of those women could have contributed to economy
I don't think we should always just look at refugees, young people and old people who used to retire just because of the 13th AHV, there are ix unemployed people in our country who either have no or only a basic education. What about them, some of whom are overqualified, by the way? They must be working hard every day to find a job and keep getting turned down, why don't we support them?
I will soon be 40 and would love to start a second apprenticeship, the canton and the state don't help you financially, the iv and Rav don't help you financially either, on the contrary, they even say that after 40 you can no longer cope with the demands of an apprenticeship. Why? I think it's important to keep your brain fit for your health and even more so at the age of 40. As someone who belongs to the middle class, I want to pursue a better profession. What is even more important for me is to find a company that supports me and teaches me the technical skills. Would I certainly stay more than 4-5 years, maybe even longer with a good salary and good support?
I can only give my own view and cannot speak for everyone between 35 and 45 (or even up to 50). But they are never talked about, mentioned or supported, on the contrary, they are basically told literally to your face "you have to see for yourself how you get ahead, we only support young people or refugees, people who are very poor, you as a Swiss person are rich enough to finance it yourself".
In the end, is it really due to the lack of skilled labour or rather to the high demands of the employers? I simply see that humanity is somehow being lost through AI and perfection.
Ich finde man sollte nicht immer nur auf Flüchtlinge, auf Jugendliche und auf Alte Schauen die früher sich jetzt Pensionieren nur wegen dem 13. AHV, es gibt ix Arbeitslose in unserem Land die entweder keine oder nur eine grundausbildung haben. Was ist mit denen, davon gibt es überigens auch einige die überqualiviziert sind? Die sich sicher jeden Tag abschuften um eine Stelle zu finden und immer wieder absagen bekommen, warum fördert man diese nicht?
Ich bin bald 40ig würde so gerne eine 2te ausbildung angehen, kanton und Staat helfen einem nicht Finanziell, iv und Rav helfen einem Finanziell auch nicht, im gegenteil es heisst sogar das man ab 40ig nicht mehr die Anforderungen einer ausbildung durchhält. Warum? Ich finde das ist doch gerade wichtig auch für die Gesundheit sein gehirn fitt zu behalten und das erst recht mit 40ig. Als eine die zum mittelstand gehöre um eine Besseren Beruf nachzugehen. Was für mich sogar wichtig ist eine Firma zu finden die mich fördert und mir die Fachliche Kompetenzen bei bringt. Würde ich sicher mehr als 4-5 jahre bleiben, vielleicht sogar länger bei gutem Lohn und guter förderung?
Ich kann nur die Sicht von mir wieder geben und nicht für jeden zwischen 35ig und 45ig (oder sogar bis 50ig) reden. Aber es wird nie von diesen geredet, erwähnt oder gefördert im gegenteil, im grunde sagt man einem wort wörtlich ins Gesicht "du musst selber schauen wie du weiter kommst, wir fördern nur Jugendliche oder Flüchtlinge, menschen die sehr arm sind, du als Schweizer/in bist reich genug um das selber zu finanzieren" klar das wut langsam aufkommt dabei.
Liegt es den Wirklich am ende an den Frachkraftmängel oder doch eher an den Hohen anforderungen der Arbeitgeber? Ich sehe einfach das Menschlichkeit irgend wie durch KI, sowie der Perfektion verloren geht.
I an asylum seeker In, what am suggesting is that I labor market for Switzerland should consider competent asylum seekers and throw away the habit of racism against colours and culture and integrate the people into the labour force. And advice employers to do with those that have the English speaking background. I think that will help to reinforce the labour shortage in the country. And another thing is they should try to handle those with language barriers with system like working and going to language school so integration process could be faster. I hereby advised that asylum seekers on this matter should not be overlooked upon or underestimated, because most of us a can contribute to the vibrant development of the country's economy. Thanks 🙏 Simon mukoro
I feel that there are cracks along all stresslines in Switzerland: housing, employment, medical...
Wonder how this is going to be resolved.
Not enough workers? Really? Or may be not enough for the salary offered? Why so? Why Swiss are not willing to work for the compensation offered? Why EU folks do not come over to pick it up?
The Swiss education system could become more focused to reflect the needs in terms of future jobs and prepare young people through a more relevant curriculum. The Swiss Higher Education system could also be made more attractive to overseas students to attract greater talent into the country.
Switzerland needs to concentrate on training up its own people first. The young people have too many obstacles thrown in their way to allow them to become fully skilled. Yet the government is willing to import people who have not been held to the same high standard as the Swiss young people. Poaching skilled workers from other countries is just a short term solution to a problem of our own creation.
Major shortage of skilled workers in Canada, driving high imigrations and lack of housing.
This drives higher rents and property prices.
Also political issue like in the US.
A logical and normal course of action would be to invest massively in vocational training for young people, encouraging them to pursue careers that provide work, rather than long university studies at a time when high qualifications in all - or almost all - trades are in short supply.
The 42/45-hour week was commonplace in the past, and will have to be revived one day if Switzerland is to break the employment deadlock. The days of vacations, vacations and travel are coming to an end, and the leisure society is a thing of the past.
Une piste logique et normale serait d'investir massivement dans la formation professionnelle des jeunes, les encourager dans les filières pourvoyeuses de travail, plutôt que les études universitaires longues alors que les hautes qualifications dans tous - ou presque - les métiers sont déficitaires.
La semaine de 42/45 heures était chose courante, il faudra bien un jour y revenir si la Suisse veut sortir de l'impasse en matière d'emploi. Les temps des congés, vacances, voyages arrivent à leur terme, la société des loisirs appartient au passé.
Hello,
My son studied computer science at the University of Montreal (a recognized university in this field!). He sent in 80 CVs and got NO interviews in the whole of French-speaking Switzerland. Companies want the 5-legged sheep: young (so cheap!) with 20 years' experience!
He has a great job in a Canadian fund that manages the equivalent of chf350 billion, world leader in PE and infrastructure investments. You could say we don't deserve the success we're having. My son is Swiss, by the way.
Bonjour,
Mon fils a fait des etudes d'informatiques à l'Université de Montreal (université reconnue dans ce domaine !). Il a envoyé 80cv et n'a obtenu AUCUNE interview dans toute la Suisse romande. Les sociétés veulent le mouton à 5 pattes: jeune (donc pas cher!) avec 20 ans d'expérience !
Il a un super poste dans un fonds canadien qui gere l'équivalent de chf350 milliards, leader mondial dans les investissements en PE et infrastructures. On peut dire qu'on ne merite pas le succès que l'on a. Je precise que mon fils est suisse
The service and public sector is sick. Its slogans: big salaries, little work, lots of vacations and vacations. Two employees for the sake of one.
This disease is spreading dangerously to the primary and secondary sectors, with the effects of rising living costs that are unbearable for the middle class.
Le secteur tertiaire et public est malade . Ses slogans : gros salaires, peu de travail, beaucoup de congés et vacances . Deux employés pour en avoir un à disposition.
Cette maladie, se transmet dangereusement dans les secteurs primaires et secondaires, avec des effets de croissances des coûts de la vie insupportable pour la classe moyenne.
Imported demographics are no longer sustainable. The very high rate of inhabitants per km2 is destroying our country's climate. Too many people, too many cars, requiring more and more staff. Too many people in the tertiary sector (50% non-essential) and too few young people in useful professions. Cruel lack of productive land for our local food supply: only 50% of food needs. We are emptying Africa and other countries of their inhabitants, to accumulate them in Europe. Your short-term view is leading us to disaster.
La démographie importée n'est plus supportable. Le taux très élevé d'habitants au km2 , détruit le climat de notre Pays. Trop de monde, de voitures, nécessitant toujours plus de personnel. Trop de personnel dans le secteur tertiaire, ( non indispensable à 50 % ) et manque de jeunes dans les professions utiles. Manque cruel de surfaces productives pour notre alimentation de proximité: seulement 50 % des besoins alimentaires. On vide l'Afrique et d'autres Pays de leurs habitants, pour les accumuler en Europe. Votre vue à court terme nous mène au désastre.
100%
I believe that it is necessary to accept refugees from Ukraine to solve the problem of labor shortage. They are all well educated, willing to work and have good work experience.
Ich glaube, dass es notwendig ist, Flüchtlinge aus der Ukraine aufzunehmen, um das Problem des Arbeitskräftemangels zu lösen. Sie sind alle gut ausgebildet, arbeitswillig und verfügen über gute Berufserfahrung.
I think that Ukraine needs qualified people to restore the country. Impoverishing some to enrich others is not the solution.
Je pense que l'Ukraine, a besoin de personnes qualifiées pour la remise en état du Pays. Appauvrir certains pour enrichir d'autres, n'est pas la solution.
I think they are more useful in Ukraine. Rebuilding the country and getting it back into shape will require a lot of people. In Switzerland, four-day work weeks and paternity leave are not going to solve the labor shortage problem. This will increase the cost of living, which will be unbearable for the middle class. Low-income earners are helped by taxpayers. The service sector and the cities are destroying our economy.
Je pense qu'ils sont plus utiles en Ukraine. La reconstruction et la remise en forme du Pays nécessitera du monde . En Suisse, ce n'est pas avec des semaines de quatre jours et tous ces congés paternités que l'on va résoudre les problèmes du manque de main-d’œuvre. Cela va renchérir le coût de la vie , insupportable pour la classe moyenne. Les classe de bas revenus étant aidées par les contribuables. Le secteur tertiaire et les Villes détruisent notre économie.
But what about when they get home? Isn't it like stripping one to dress the other?
Sans doute mais quid lorsqu'ils rentreront chez eux ? N'est ce pas dépouiller l'un pour habiller l'autre ?
My son (Swiss) studied computer science in Montreal. Upon completion of his BA he sent approx 100 cv's to various swiss companies. Most of them never even replied and the others were looking for young professionals with vast experience !!!
He is now working in Canada for a fund managing chf350 billions with hughe opportunities.
The Swiss public sector isn't too keen on talented, experienced people. Here, we could save jobs and reduce the administrative burden on companies. The aim: lower taxes to improve the lives of the middle class.
Le secteur public suisse ne désire pas trop les personnes douées et expérimentées. Là, on pourrait économiser des postes de travail et diminuer la charge administrative des entreprises. But : baisser les impôts pour améliorer la vie de la classe moyenne.
I believe that in the near future we may get some help on this front from the rise of artificial intelligence that will enhance productivity, which is the lever Swiss companies have used in the past when confronted with falling competitiveness due to external or internal factors. I also have the impression that the regional employment offices are not doing a good job at matching employment needs and the skills available on our soil, once you drop out of the official unemployment statistics (i.e. you fall into assistance) you are basically forgotten! I feel little is being done to help those people go back "on the saddle again". This is no small pool of workers, it would reduce the strain on public finances and would make life much better for this people.
Think Switzerland need to look inside because they are a lot of professional for jobs in CH after the collapse of a few international companies.
Nevertheless, the disadvantage is that most recruitment companies are not prepared to understand what professional technical skills they look for and see (a shortage of skilled workers). I believe this is totally wrong. They are many qualified and very educated CH personnel searching for a job.
These recruitment companies must first challenge the internal workforce and stop looking for an external one. Hearings 50 + you have an advantage in technical knowledge and skills, curiosity and creativity that you may not find in the other classes.
I think the government need to deal with this problem and be more engaged in protecting the internal workforce before searching for a new entry.
Think about it Herr Jaberg. You are asking a question but not giving an facts or definitions on which to base the solution(s)....perhaps right there is a clue to what is wrong with the shortage?
You did not which industries require these skilled workers. You did not define what kind of skills and qualifications. You did not define wat kind of work. And most egregiously of all you dont give any credible numbers on which your question is based! For god's sake, man! You have not povided an argument as to why you think Switzerland deserves more of these "skilled workers" any more than any other country on Earth which also likewise relies on skilled workers for its respective functioning!!
No wonder this whole thread is just a click-bait! Without any background information, people are commenting on all sorts of things without knowing what skills and what workers are needed!
What kind of intellectual debate is that? All you have done is to generate clicks for SWI....and invite the xenophobes to a venue to vent their frustration with foreigners? And vice versa. None of that answers the question that you posed! So, why did you bother opening a forum on this topic??
I don't think Switzerland takes the trouble to train Swiss people.
The ORP WHEN YOU ARE OVER 45 DOESN'T OFFER YOU ANY TRAINING!
They complain that we don't have slave labor and low wages.
How do you expect us to cope with our insurance premiums, for which we don't even have PHYSICIANS!
Suva, la retraite populaire, groupe mutuel, assura and many others who live WELL AND SAFE ON THE BACKS OF TAXPAYERS AND WHO CONTINUE TO PAY THEIR VAT FOR THEIR COFFEE AND THEIR TAXES!..!
Obviously they must pay them to the Swiss citizens the salary ADÉQUAT TO SOUBVENIR to the need for REQUEST FOR BILLS TO PAY IN ADDITION SERAFE, pay for a radio that makes only ADVERTISEMENT MORE TO MEDICAMENTS
TV AND MEDIA BOUGHT BY ADS!
We choose not to listen to or watch TV and radio!
Je trouve que la Suisse se donne pas de la peine à former des Suisses.
L’ORP LORSQUE VOUS AVEZ PLUS DE 45 Ans ne vous proposent PLUS AUCUNE FORMATION!
On se plaignent que nous n’avons pas de main d’œuvre esclave et mal payer.
Comment voulez vous qu’ont fassent face au primes de nos assurances pour lequel nous n’avons même pas DES MÉDECINS!
Suva, la retraite populaire, groupe mutuel, assura et pleins d’autres qui vivent BELLE ET BIEN SÛR LE DOS DE CONTRIBUABLES ET QUI CONTINUENT À PAYER SON TVA POUR SON CAFÉ ET CES IMPÔTS!!!
Évidemment ils faut les payer aux citoyens Suisses le salaire ADÉQUAT POUR SOUBVENIR au besoin de DEMANDENT DE FACTURES A PAYER EN PLUS SERAFE, payer pour une radio qui fait que de la PUB DE PLUS AUX MEDICAMENTS
UNE TELE ET UNE MEDIA ACHETER PAR LES PUBS !
On choisit de ne plus ecouter ni regarder la tv et la radio!
Why don't they train us in these trades that are in short supply?
Pourquoi ont nous forme pas dans ces métiers qui ont une pénurie?
Because people think it's important to be able to say: my children are at UNI, not my children love nature and farming or other manual trades. On top of that, the question of salaries runs counter to what we're looking for. Exepter Coop and Migros, who have too much contempt for the work of our country's producers, and can easily raise wages.
Parce qu'au vue des gens, il est important de pouvoir dire : mes enfants sont à l'UNI, et non mes enfants adorent la nature et l'agriculture ou autres métiers manuels. En plus , la question des salaires qui va à contre sens de ce que nous cherchons. Exepter Coop et Migros , qui méprisent trop le travail des producteurs de notre Pays , et peuvent facilement augmenter les salaires.
Most people on this thread asking for training them. But it takes so much time, effort, and money to train a person. It can take several years to train people to be engineers, doctors, lawyers, computer scientists, bankers, accountants, etc. And not everyone has the ability to study these kinds of stuff. Statistically, only "44% of people in Switzerland aged 25–64 have a tertiary level qualification (university or higher vocational education)".
That is why it is difficult for companies to find candidates as the Swiss economy is an advanced one. They need well-trained people, not amateurs. They should train people who have relevant degrees so that it takes them only a few months to work efficiently instead of a few years. Time, effort, and money are matters.
Well-educated immigrants are the answer to the shortage. Just like other advanced economies like Japan, South Korea, Germany, Canada, Australia, etc. If Switzerland wants to continue to grow they need more immigrants, not only for the sustainability of the Swiss economy, but also for the stability of pension funds.
FALSE.
You say to close imigrant on whose money?
It's still us who have to subsidize these additional training courses to teach them the language, that doesn't take time and money Dear Sir?
Enough of doing what you want with taxpayers' money.
Stop wanting cheap labor!
FAUX.
Vous dites de fermer des imigrant sur l’ argent de qui?
C est encore nous que nous devons soubventionner ces formations de plus a leurs apprendre la langue , cela ca ne prend pas du Temp et de l argent Cher Monsieur?
Assez de faire ce que vous voulez avec l’ argent Publique de Contribuables .
Arrêtez de vouloir de la main d’œuvres à BAS PRIX !
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