A recent study has warned that the shortage of skilled labor in Germany threatens to slow the transition to renewable energy.

The Bertelsmann Foundation analyzed the readiness of traditional trades for energy transition tasks, and the analysis showed that there is already a skills gap, along with a shortage of skilled workers estimated at around 300,000 workers.

Using roofing as an example: workers who are skilled at constructing roofs for single-family homes do not necessarily possess the skills required to install photovoltaic systems on the roof.

According to the analysis conducted by the foundation on 2.7 million online job advertisements, one in four roof construction workers is in demand by solar energy companies.

The analysis indicated that the matching rate of required skills in the roofing sector between traditional construction and solar-powered construction is 0.71. If there were a 100% match, the value would be 1, as the authors of the analysis explained. Employers expect roofing workers to have experience with solar thermal energy and photovoltaic systems as well as with supply technology installation.

In the field of wind energy, the required skills are increasing, where the authors of the analysis indicated that the matching rate of required skills here is 0.77. For skilled electrical construction workers, the rate is lower at 0.67.

The analysis stated: "One of the core competencies for skilled workers in electrical construction in the wind energy sector is the operation and maintenance of wind turbines."

The analysis pointed out that traditional electrical workers are primarily required for electrical installations and assembling electrical technologies.

Yana Fingerhut, a labor market expert at the Bertelsmann Foundation, said: "The strong differences in skill requirements within the same profession indicate that looking only at the number of workers is not enough... We not only need more skilled workers, but they must also have the appropriate skills for tasks in the wind and solar energy sectors. These skills need to be learned first," explaining that the energy transition sectors will require more targeted training aimed at both those who have completed vocational training and those who have work experience but without recognized qualifications.