The shortage of skilled workers in Germany has prompted German labour minister Hubertus Heil to launch a drive in search of people to fill positions.

“Securing skilled labour is securing prosperity. There are currently more people in work than ever before, over 46 million. 

“Nevertheless, we need more skilled workers and labour to fully exploit our potential as the third strongest economy,’’ Mr Heil said.

Mr Heil said this ahead of a government conference on skilled labour due to take place in Berlin on Monday.

“This means increasing the labour market participation of women, older employees and people with disabilities,’’ he said.

Mr Heil added the need for more training and further education, and the rate of young people without school or vocational qualifications needed to be reduced.

“And it’s also about attracting bright minds and volunteers from abroad to Germany,’’ he said.

He invited over 700 representatives from businesses, associations and society to the one-day congress to realise these goals.

“On this day, we will publicise the many good ideas for securing skilled workers that already exist today,’’ said Mr Heil.

Mr Heil planned to open the congress with education minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger and economics minister Robert Habeck.

He said the aim was to show that Germany’s governing coalition was pulling out all stops to recruit skilled labour.

The German Skilled Labour Award will be presented for the first time on Monday evening.

The award is open to companies, networks and institutions successfully implementing creative and sustainable measures to secure skilled labour.

More than 500 applications have been submitted. 

(dpa/NAN)