Press Statement Climate goals in the building sector must not fail due to a shortage of skilled workers in the trades

Ralf Kutzner, Executive Board Member of IG Metall, on the billion-euro program for building retrofits approved today:

IG Metall welcomes the increase in funding to achieve climate goals for existing buildings. However, the funding must be sustained at a minimum of 12 billion euros in the coming years so that the skilled trades, in particular, have a reliable basis for planning the development of the necessary skilled workers.

The shortage of skilled workers in the skilled trades threatens to become a bottleneck for the climate transition in the building sector. There is a shortage of approximately 100,000 skilled workers in the trades relevant to renovation. In addition to the traditional construction trades, these include, in particular, the trades falling under IG Metall’s jurisdiction: heating, ventilation, and plumbing; electrical work; carpentry; metal fabrication; and roller shutter and sun protection technicians.

To meet the demand for skilled workers in the trades, working conditions must become more attractive. “Good work” must be established as a funding criterion for energy-efficient renovation measures. In this context, collective bargaining coverage among trade businesses must also be significantly increased. Furthermore, vocational training in the trades must become more attractive. Tailored continuing education and training programs for craftspeople are essential for fostering motivated and innovative employees and must be accessible to all. To achieve this, vocational schools and craft training centers must be modernized. 

It is the responsibility of the social partners and policymakers to quickly address these shortcomings now and ensure better working conditions in the skilled trades. Climate goals in the building sector must not fail due to a shortage of skilled workers in the trades.