Germany is recognised as one of the best business locations in the world. However, many German companies are now experiencing a shortage of skilled labour. The famous shortage of skilled labour has been known in Germany for many years. What was long considered a problem can now be compensated for with foreign skilled labour.
Many bureaucratic hurdles have been simplified in recent years in favour of hiring foreign skilled workers. This opens many doors for German companies. On the other hand, however, they are faced with the problem that they are often unable to recruit skilled personnel abroad themselves because they lack the network there. This is where recruitment agencies come into play. We show you why companies can benefit from recruiting international specialists.
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Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Why are foreign skilled workers in demand in Germany?
There are various problems in Germany that have led to a shortage of skilled labour. One major reason for this is demographic change. In addition, Germany now has an ageing population. In many sectors, this is leading to a shortage of qualified specialists, while demand continues to rise. There is a desperate need for suitable specialists, particularly in the fields of medicine, skilled trades and technology.
In Eastern Europe in particular, there are now very well-trained specialists. The employees have completed good training in the required areas and have already gained experience on the labour market.
In the healthcare sector, doctors and medical nurses are particularly sought after. Nowadays, care no longer takes place only in appropriate facilities, but often also in the home environment. This is why carers are needed who can provide care on site. Trade and industry are also strongly affected. Bricklayers, electricians, mechanics and welders are particularly in demand. Poland in particular has suitable skilled labour that has been working on German construction sites for many years.
As technological development progresses, the demand for engineers and IT specialists is growing. Qualified employees are also urgently needed in the field of data science in Germany. The education and science sectors are also affected by the shortage of skilled labour. There is a shortage of researchers, academics and, increasingly, teachers in many places.
There are various problems in Germany that have led to a shortage of skilled labour. One major reason for this is demographic change. In addition, Germany now has an ageing population. In many sectors, this is leading to a shortage of qualified specialists, while demand continues to rise. There is a desperate need for suitable specialists, particularly in the fields of medicine, skilled trades and technology.
In Eastern Europe in particular, there are now very well-trained specialists. The employees have completed good training in the required areas and have already gained experience on the labour market.
In the healthcare sector, doctors and medical nurses are particularly sought after. Nowadays, care no longer takes place only in appropriate facilities, but often also in the home environment. This is why carers are needed who can provide care on site. Trade and industry are also strongly affected. Bricklayers, electricians, mechanics and welders are particularly in demand. Poland in particular has suitable skilled labour that has been working on German construction sites for many years.
As technological development progresses, the demand for engineers and IT specialists is growing. Qualified employees are also urgently needed in the field of data science in Germany. The education and science sectors are also affected by the shortage of skilled labour. There is a shortage of researchers, academics and, increasingly, teachers in many places.
What challenges are there in the recruitment of foreign specialists?
First of all, it is important that foreign qualifications and certificates are recognised in Germany. However, the training systems in the respective countries of origin can cause difficulties. The procedure for recognition in Germany can also be complex and time-consuming.
The language barrier is also a significant obstacle. It is therefore important to find employees who have sufficient knowledge of German. A good recruitment agency has a network of applicants who are proficient enough in German to be able to understand and implement complex contexts and tasks.
Intercultural training is just as important. Work ethics and professional values often differ greatly depending on the country of origin. Training helps to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts with the new employer. It is equally important to integrate new employees into the existing workforce; they should have the opportunity to socialise and feel at home in the company.
Recruiting foreign specialists involves additional costs, such as travelling and relocation. The recruitment agency provides support in the search for suitable accommodation - be it your own flat or group accommodation, depending on the industry and requirements.
How the recruitment of foreign specialists works
The recruitment of foreign specialists starts with a clear needs analysis. The company determines which positions it would like to fill and which qualifications are required. It also defines the industry-specific requirements.
- Needs analysis
At the beginning, the company analyses its personnel requirements. It determines which positions need to be filled, what qualifications the candidates should have and what special features the respective industry requires.
- Selection of the recruitment agency
During the selection process, the company ensures that the recruitment agency has a strong international network. This is the only way it can recruit suitable specialists quickly and in a targeted manner.
- Recruitment and selection of the employee
The next step is the recruitment and selection of the employee. The German company has the advantage that the recruitment agency takes care of many of the administrative tasks. Whether it is job fairs, online job boards or the company's own network is up to the recruitment agency. Once they have found suitable candidates, the client must make the final selection. Part of this step is the verification of qualifications. In Germany, there is the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB), which deals with the recognition of foreign qualifications. A German company can carry out the verification there.
- Obtaining a work visa and residence permit
The recruitment agency will take care of obtaining the work visa and residence permit. It is important to plan the administrative procedures well. As a rule, an employee needs an existing employment contract, certificates of language proficiency and a health certificate. Proof of qualifications is also important.
- Integration and on-boarding
The integration and onboarding of the employee in the company is then prepared. The recruitment agency organises language courses in advance, should these be necessary. It also supports the employee in finding accommodation. The company has the task of providing a mentor or contact person for the employee.
The employee is then onboarded. This includes a clear familiarisation plan. Appropriate training must be organised in the company. This should be followed by regular feedback with the employee to ensure that no problems arise. In order to integrate an employee into the company in the long term, it is necessary to organise intercultural workshops. These are important for both the new employee and the existing permanent staff. The recruitment agency is also on hand to support the new employee with family matters.
It is important that the recruitment agency undertakes proactive planning. It is important to develop a clear strategy and set up a structured process for the employee and the company. Both sides should be aware that there are cultural differences. It is important that the recruitment agency's support does not end once the employee has been hired. It should continue to provide ongoing support so that the collaboration can work in the long term.
Zeitarbeit International - your experienced recruitment agency for foreign skilled labour
Temporary work Internationall is your experienced recruitment agency for foreign skilled labour! Are you looking for skilled workers from Eastern Europe, the EU or Asia? We mediate staff from Poland, Baltic States, Croatia, Slovakia, The Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Turkey & the Ukraine. Thanks to our large network abroad, we always find the staff you need—quickly and without complications.
We place Eastern European specialists from various sectors: Locksmiths, carpenters, Electronics, Welders, Engineers, mechanical engineers, Production assistantswarehouse workers or construction workers as temporary workers or other and we do this for subcontracted. As a rule, our workers from Eastern Europe and Asia already have knowledge of German and many years of professional experience, which they also use successfully in Germany. Are you interested in working with us? Contact us today!
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