IT skills shortage is no longer an abstract buzzword but Germany’s most pressing structural challenge. The country is in the midst of a digital transformation – and simultaneously facing a dramatic crisis: 149,000 IT jobs remain vacant, and on average it takes 7.7 months to fill a single position. According to Bitkom, the gap could rise to 663,000 missing IT specialists by 2040. As G.Business reports, continuous training, career changes and targeted migration are not just policy tools, but survival strategies for Europe’s largest economy.
The labour market 2025: facts and figures
- 149,000 unfilled IT positions in 2025 (Bitkom).
- 1.52 million ICT professionals in employment, including over 1.12 million in regular social insurance contracts.
- 7.7 months average vacancy duration per IT role.
- 258,000 students enrolled in computer science – 52% more than in 2013, still insufficient to cover demand.
- 43,000 unemployed job seekers with ICT ambitions, unemployment rate: 3.7%.
Training as the key
Germany is betting on training and reskilling to narrow the gap. Major trends include:
| Trend | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Digital skills & AI | Focus on data science, cloud, cybersecurity, automation. | Candidates with specialization have clear advantages. |
| Blended learning | Hybrid formats combining online and on-site. | Flexible for migrants and career changers. |
| Public funding | Vouchers, Umschulung (retraining), state-subsidised programmes. | Lower barrier for those with limited capital. |
| Non-formal training | Bootcamps, online courses, project-based learning. | Fast, practical, but quality varies. |
Migrants and career changers: challenges and opportunities
Germany needs migration to close the gap, but numbers tell a different story:
- By end of 2023, almost 987,000 foreigners were unemployed, jobless rate 14.7% vs. 6.6% national average.
- People with migration background participate less in training compared to the overall population.
Barriers: language skills, recognition of foreign diplomas, lack of access to subsidised training.
Opportunities: entry via IT support, QA, low-code development; first projects through staff leasing; public retraining support.
Staff leasing: entry chance or trap
Temporary work in IT can be a springboard — but carries risks.
- Pro: fast entry, access to projects with top clients, CV visibility.
- Contra: lower pay, insecure contracts, limited growth prospects.
- Equal pay: applies after nine months with the same client.
- Tip: check agencies for license and collective agreements.
What needs to be done
- Choose a specialization – cloud, security, data, web.
- Leverage training – bootcamps, vouchers, certified courses.
- Improve languages – German B1/B2 minimum, fluent English.
- Network – GitHub, LinkedIn, meetups, open source.
- Be flexible – staff leasing or support roles as first step.
The IT labour market in Germany is under pressure as never before. The shortage is measurable, growing and dangerous. Yet for those willing to invest in language, training and specialization, opportunities remain immense. For migrants and career changers, the path is difficult but realistic — and as Renewz highlights, those who act now can secure their place in Europe’s digital future.
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