Workforce in Germany

The German workforce

Germany’s renowned education system provides one of the most prepared and reliable workforces in the world. According to recent studies, the German workforce accounts for over 40 million individuals in the European Union. Besides the education system, German companies also invest a lot in vocational trainings in order to raise the abilities of their employees. The total number of individuals in the German labor market was last measure in 2013 by the World Bank and their number was approximately 42 million.

The German vocational training system

Germany has a globally renowned system of vocational training comprising approximately 9000 vocational schools which deliver 1.5 million apprentices per year. Most of these vocational trainings focus on technical studies. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) statistics, the majority of German employees have a doctoral degree in engineering.

Immigrant workers in Germany

As one of the most developed countries in the world, Germany attracts many immigrants due to the high wages, but also labor conditions. Currently, immigrants have a significant role in the German labor market, as the Government tries to integrate them in different sectors. Even if they are less prepared than the German workforce, immigrants benefit from the same social and employment rights. They are also allowed to participate in public training and labor market integration programs. Immigrants may also adhere to occupational associations, like any other German employee.

What are the main skills of the German labor force?

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s statistics have shown that the German labor force has the following skills:

• - it is computer literate,
• - it has high numeracy skills,
• - it has technological skills.

The OECD’s statistics have also shown that after the introduction of the deduction-free pension, the number of older German employees has increased and the country has one of the largest employment time spans within Europe. German citizens may start working at the age of 15 and retire at ages between 65 and 69. With respect to employment by gender, the German workforce is balanced compared to other EU countries.

For information about employment requirements, please contact our law firm in Germany.