Which sectors in Switzerland have Skill Shortages?

Switzerland is witnessing skills shortage in many fields and surplus in some others. The most acute skills shortages are in engineering occupations, like structural and electronics engineers, followed by technical occupations, which have moved up from third place in 2018 to second place in 2019. These would be jobs like heating, ventilation and air conditioning technicians etc. The other sector that is facing a skills shortage in Switzerland is the IT sector. Finally, ranked third are fiduciary occupations which include auditors, trustees and tax consultants etc. 

The problem has grown worse in the past few years, as the Swiss job market is increasingly struggling to find skilled workers in the above-mentioned areas. According to the Swiss Skills Shortage Index compiled by Adecco Switzerland, in the year 2018 the index rose 9% in the case of engineering and natural sciences professions and 8% in IT professions, compared to the previous year. The index, compiled in Switzerland in collaboration with the University of Zurich, measures the number of job vacancies as compared with the number of jobseekers in different occupations. What was interesting to note was that in 2018, the skills shortage had worsened, especially in German-speaking Switzerland. 

What is also interesting to note is that while some fields are reeling under severe shortages in skills, like engineering, technician and IT professions, others are witnessing a surplus. The hospitality industry, for instance, has more job seekers as compared to the number of vacancies. The other job market that is flooded with supply is the commercial and administrative sector. If you are in Switzerland and are looking for an opportunity in these, you will probably find it difficult to find a job. However, if you are an engineer, a tax consultant, or are in the IT space, you will find many opportunities. So, if Switzerland is your destination, you may want to consider these professions.

Check out also, why study in Switzerland.