Labor market in Switzerland
The war in Ukraine restores the coat of arms of the weapons in the armament
Armament job research jumped almost 600% in May 2023. Despite this new attraction, Switzerland and its 14,000 jobs remain a minor player against European giants in the sector.
In the production workshops of Rheinmetall Air Defense, an anti -aircraft defense for a warship is being made.
TAMEDIA
- The interest in arms in armaments has increased massively since the start of the war in Ukraine.
- The job search on the indeed portal in the defense sector reached a peak in May 2023.
- Swiss armaments companies only offer 1% of all European defense jobs.
In the past, working in the armament industry in Switzerland was seen as delicate, even taboo. This sector lived in the shadow of other economic branches and often aroused moral reserves. But times have changed.
Indeed, since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, the Swiss defense sector has been increasingly prized in the job market: interest in the posts in the arms industry has increased considerably, as revealed by a recent study of the indeed employment site.
Jobs for weapons manufacturers
Since the Beginning of the war in Ukrainethe number of online research concerning themes and companies in the defense sector has increased considerably. This interest significantly exceeds the level observed in 2021.
A peak was reached in May 2023, when the debate began on a possible softening of the War material law. During this period, the interest in arms in the armament was almost six times higher than that before the start of the conflict. Even today, this interest remains almost four times higher than in 2021.
Eva Brückner, director of the recruitment firm Heinrich & Coll. specializes in the defense industry. It confirms this trend: “We receive many spontaneous applications for the defense industry.”
In the past, candidates were reluctant for ethical reasons, notes Eva Brückner. Today, we would observe a strong crowd, many workers wishing to contribute to security. Europeans have understood that this sector is essential to preserve democracy and defend freedom, adds the specialist.
Niche sector in Switzerland
In comparison with the rest of Europe, the number of jobs available in Switzerland in the arms industry is nevertheless very limited. European armaments companies have increased their job offers by 41% since the war in Ukraine, but Switzerland represents only 1% of the total positions offered in Europe.
France, Germany and Great Britain dominate the job market. In Switzerland, the arms industry remains a niche market, despite the general evolution of mentalities.
According to the State Secretariat for Economy (Seco)the Swiss armaments industry employs 14,000 people full-time, counting subcontractors. Among the notable companies in this sector are Ruag, Mowag and Rheinmetall Air Defense.
Last year, Switzerland reduced its exports of war material. Military equipment worth 664.7 million francs were sold to 60 countries, following the authorizations issued by SECO. Germany has positioned itself as the main customer.
A glance at the profiles sought on Indeed shows where the Swiss armament industry needs specialists. It is mainly talents from technical professions and information technology that are sought. Mechanics, technique and crafts represent almost a fifth of tenders, followed by IT positions in software development, infrastructure and data analysis.
Manufacturing, production and engineering are also in great demand. Even in the administrative field or in sales, we are looking for employees, but often with technical training or close to production.
Added to this is the fact that the Swiss arms industry plays a rather secondary role on the European scale. Although global defense spending is increasing, the sector is faced with problems in Switzerland.
While European competitors open new sites in their own country and increase their workforce, some Swiss companies have recently had to remove jobs or relocate part of their production abroad.
“The question now arises whether Switzerland will adapt its framework conditions so that the branch gains in economic weight and, consequently, on the local labor market,” writes indeed, referring to the strict Swiss export law and its interpretation of neutrality.
Translated from German by Olivia Beuhat.
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