In Germany, one in three companies does not take action against the shortage of skilled workers in IT professions. This is shown by a survey conducted by the industry association Bitkom. The remaining companies mainly rely on further training. Artificial intelligence plays only a minor role in filling open positions. “AI cannot replace an IT department,” explains Bitkom’s chief executive, Bernhard Rohleder.
Companies focus on further training and career changers. While 32% of companies do not take measures against the IT skills shortage, 35% train their own employees from other areas to qualify them for the vacant positions. Almost a quarter of the companies hire career changers. Additionally, 16% of companies try to retain older employees in the job. 13% attempt to attract women to IT professions through recruitment and support measures. On average, only 5% see artificial intelligence (AI) as a suitable means to bridge personnel shortages.
The acceptance of AI as a replacement or support for human workers is higher in companies with many employees: In companies with more than 250 employees, it is 21%. In companies with 50 to 249 employees, it is 12%, and in those with 10 to 49 employees, it is 7%. In smaller companies, the share is 2%. Despite these figures, Rohleder advocates for the use of AI. It can support IT professionals and take over boring and concentration-intensive tasks.
For the study, Bitkom surveyed 852 German companies with at least three employees about the measures they are taking to counteract the IT skills shortage. The association publicly represents the political and economic interests of its over 2000 members, mostly from the IT and telecommunications industry. Recently, Bitkom expected a growing digital economy in Germany, which is supposed to create 20,000 new jobs in the ICT sector.
The shortage of skilled IT workers is a pressing issue for many companies in Germany. As technology continues to evolve rapidly, the demand for qualified IT professionals increases. However, many companies struggle to fill these positions, which can hinder their growth and innovation.
Some companies choose to invest in further training for their existing employees. By doing so, they can develop the skills needed within their current workforce to fill the gaps. This approach not only addresses the immediate need for skilled workers but also helps in employee retention and satisfaction.
Hiring career changers is another strategy companies use. Individuals from different professional backgrounds can bring diverse skills and perspectives to the IT field. With adequate training and support, they can become valuable assets to the company.
Retaining older employees is also a focus for some companies. Older workers often have extensive experience and knowledge that can be beneficial in mentoring younger employees or taking on roles that require a deep understanding of the company’s history and processes.
Efforts to attract more women into IT roles are ongoing. The industry has traditionally been male-dominated, but there is a growing recognition of the importance of diversity. Companies are implementing various initiatives to encourage more women to pursue careers in IT.
While AI is not seen as a primary solution to the skills shortage, it can play a supportive role. AI technologies can automate repetitive tasks, allowing IT professionals to focus on more complex and creative aspects of their work. This can improve efficiency and productivity within IT departments.
Overall, addressing the IT skills shortage requires a multifaceted approach. Companies need to be proactive in developing their workforce, exploring new talent pools, and embracing technological advancements. By doing so, they can ensure they have the skilled professionals needed to thrive in the digital age.