They are considered to be particularly demanding and at the same time they can choose their jobs: Companies supposedly have to roll out the red carpet for the young professionals of the so-called Generation-Z. But as is so often the case, cliché and reality differ considerably. Recruiting young talent has not become easier for industrial companies in the digital age. But with a little courage and creativity, Generation-Z can also be reached well. 

The number of vacancies for engineers in the mechanical engineering sector has reached a new high and demand will continue to grow. Currently, two out of three companies have engineering vacancies to fill.

The current political, social and geopolitical situation - the Corona pandemic, the war in Ukraine and economic competition with China - has not left Germany unscathed and will continue to affect the country for some time to come. The issue of skilled workers is of major importance here, because the location needs skilled workers for functioning industries and the recovery. A major task. For the federal government, too.

In the last two years, the bottlenecks on the labor market for engineers have become much more acute. Never before has the mechanical engineering sector been looking for so many employees, and never before have there been so many vacancies for engineers.

In our theme publications, you will find facts, figures and data related to vocational training, engineering courses, skilled workers, mechanical engineers and women in machinery and equipment manufacturing.

Change is needed in various areas of education and working life to attract more women to technical professions. The latest study by the VDMA's Impuls Foundation investigates exactly what is needed. For the first time, the study focuses on the link between studies, career entry and the first years of employment for female engineers.

The Maschinenhaus Toolbox is an extensive collection of good practices for the further development of university teaching. Many of the concepts are suitable for teaching Industrie 4.0-relevant competencies.

Industrie 4.0 demands new qualification and skill profiles for engineers. But what are the specific requirements of companies in the mechanical and plant engineering sector?