German skilled-trade vacancies stay open for an average of 242 days

Germany’s Federal Employment Agency reports that skilled-trade vacancies remained unfilled for an average of 242 days in 2025. Across all occupations the average was 167 days, showing how much harder it is for craft employers to find qualified staff.

The strongest shortages continue in construction and finishing trades, plumbing, heating and air-conditioning, and electrical and mechatronics occupations. Of 3.36 million employees in skilled trades, about 576,000 were foreign nationals, a share of 17%.

The number of workers from non-EU countries in the trades rose by 24,000 in one year. More than half of that increase came from people from Ukraine and the eight main asylum-origin countries. For migrants with relevant skills, this signals sustained demand, although regulated occupations may require formal recognition of qualifications.