Swiss builder shortage will leave 1 in 6 vacancies empty by 2040

A study by the Competence Centre for Demographics, commissioned by the Swiss Builders' Association, has found that every sixth job in the construction industry in Switzerland will be unfilled by 2040. More than 5.000 workers will soon be missing from the sector, especially in bricklaying, road-building and supervisory roles. 

Large amount of skilled construction workers are retiring

One of the biggest challenges the construction industry is facing is the number of skilled workers that are retiring from the sector. If nothing is done, the study predicted that 16,6 percent of roles in the industry will be left unfilled by 2040. 

The shortage of workers is even more acute for bricklayers and building supervisors. Experts estimated that in the next 20 years, Switzerland will need to increase its bricklaying workforce by 31 percent and will need 33 percent more supervisors to break even. 

Study authors want more apprenticeships

The study explained that one of the key reasons why skilled bricklayers are becoming harder to find is a lack of apprenticeships for the next generation of construction workers. Experts noted that a solution that could be used is the introduction of more construction apprenticeships as a form of education in Switzerland. 

The study’s authors also suggested relying on career-changers by encouraging more people to switch to working in construction, as well as by convincing existing workers to stay in the sector rather than retiring or moving on. "These three measures could reduce the shortage of skilled workers by half", the Swiss Builders' Association told Blick.