Unfilled training positions to the tune of 8,000 persist in Saxony - Approximately 8000 job openings in Saxony
**Booming Demand for Tech Apprenticeships in Saxony**
Saxony, a region in eastern Germany known for its robust industrial base in advanced manufacturing and microelectronics, is currently experiencing a surge in demand for technology and digital skills. According to the Saxony regional office of the Federal Employment Agency, "specialists of tomorrow are needed everywhere" [1].
The demand for advanced digital and ICT (information and communication technology) skills has increased sharply, rising by over 22 percentage points in the past five years, far outpacing the OECD average [1]. This trend indicates that apprenticeships in IT, microelectronics, and related technical fields are among the most sought-after in Saxony.
While the data does not provide a detailed, Saxony-specific ranking of all apprenticeships, the trend aligns with Germany’s broader shortage areas, where technical and digital professions generally face the most acute labor shortages.
**Sectors with the Greatest Shortage of Candidates**
Saxony’s advanced manufacturing and microelectronics sectors are facing significant workforce constraints, with labor shortages threatening to slow digital progress in the region [1]. Positions requiring advanced digital skills—such as those in software development, systems integration, and industrial automation—are experiencing the most pronounced gaps [1].
Traditional apprenticeships in crafts (e.g., electrical, metalwork, mechatronics) and industrial trades remain vital for Saxony’s manufacturing backbone. While these are consistently in demand across Germany, the current data emphasize digital and technical roles as the most critical shortage areas in Saxony specifically [1].
**Where to Find Confirmation**
For the most accurate, up-to-date list of in-demand apprenticeships and candidate shortages in Saxony, consult the annual vacancy and apprenticeship reports published by the Federal Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit) and regional chambers of industry and commerce (IHK). These reports provide detailed, region-specific data on which apprenticeships have the most unfilled positions and where employers struggle the most to find suitable candidates.
**Key Takeaway**
In Saxony, advanced digital and technical apprenticeships—especially in IT, microelectronics, and industrial automation—are currently the most in-demand, with the greatest shortage of qualified candidates in these fields [1]. While healthcare and traditional trades also face shortages, the tech sector’s rapid growth makes it the primary focus for apprenticeship recruitment in the region.
As of the start of the new training year, approximately 8,000 apprenticeships in Saxony are vacant [2]. Minister of Economics in Saxony, Dirk Panter, encourages those still looking for a place to apply for the vacant apprenticeships in Saxony. The city where these vacancies are located is Dresden. It's worth noting that while the profession of salesperson has the most applicants (1,245) [3], there is a shortage of candidates in some professions, according to the Saxony regional office of the Federal Employment Agency.
In light of the booming demand for tech apprenticeships in Saxony, individuals seeking education and self-development may want to consider vocational training in IT, microelectronics, and industrial automation, as these fields exhibit the most significant labor shortages in the region. Such training could potentially lead to personal growth and learning opportunities, aligning with the current trend of advanced digital and technical apprenticeships being the most in-demand in Saxony.
