Some 6,400 learning places were still to be filled in Switzerland in mid-August, at the start of the school year, in particular in the construction, catering and the machine industry. It is a quarter less than twelve months ago (8500).
These figures, published on Friday by the YOUSTY platform on learning, show that companies have less difficulty recruiting this year. The number of young people wishing to make a learning also increased, said the spokesperson for Yousty Lale Scirocco in Keystone-ATS. In addition, companies have carried out active campaigns, especially on social networks. Of the 6,400 places to be filled, nearly 1800 concern the construction sector, 600 catering and as much the machinery and health industry.
Too few cooks
The drop in the number of posts to be filled does not mean that the problem of the lack of skilled labor is resolved, said Lale Scirocco, especially since many specialists are preparing to retire. Professions are suffering. For example, the number of apprentice cooks has dropped by 14% over the past ten years. That of young workers in the construction of roads fell 4%.
In general, manual professions must fight to attract candidates and talents. “In an ever more digitized world, young people tend to abandon these professions” (excluding offices), said the spokesperson.
In addition, a profession like that of cook supposes passion. Few young people are considering this profession as “second choice” after being refused in another sector.
60% of young people
At the end of May, 54,500 young people had signed an apprenticeship contract for 2025, according to official confederation figures, 1300 more than a year earlier.
About 60% of young Swiss are interested in learning. The most coveted sectors, for several years, are those of commercial employees, followed by health, IT and retail.
