The job market is undergoing a significant transformation, with the spread of Artificial Intelligence (AI) causing shifts away from traditional office positions. In contrast, hands-on, artisan trades are remaining relatively stable in terms of demand.
According to the Stellenmarktforscher Index, which was analyzed by “Welt am Sonntag”, the number of advertised jobs in administrative and office roles has declined substantially. Specifically, the sectors of secretarial work and office management saw a 22% reduction, and human resources management faced a 19% drop. However, the decline was markedly less pronounced in construction, skilled crafts, and environmental fields, registering only a 14% decrease.
This pattern is even clearer when looking at the job profiles advertised by industrial companies. The number of open positions for managing directors plummeted by 30% by 2025, and roles requiring advanced academic qualifications dropped by 22%. Yet, for skilled professionals with vocational training, the decrease was only eight percent.
These data are based on an extensive analysis covering 197 print media outlets, 321 online job boards, the Federal Employment Agency’s job portal, and nearly 969,000 corporate websites. The evaluation suggests that occupations with a high proportion of routine tasks are experiencing the greatest pressure. While general economic factors are certainly at play, the increasing use of generative AI also appears to be playing a role in this shift.
Enzo Weber, Research Director at the Institute for Labour Market and Vocational Education Research (IAB), noted that “academics are no longer immune”. He stressed that the overall situation remains tense, pointing out that there is currently a scarcity of new jobs due to the economic crisis.
Despite the challenging overall environment, representatives of the skilled trades view this trend as a distinct opportunity. Jörg Dittrich, President of the Central Association of German Craft Trades (ZDH), stated that while AI takes over increasingly standardized tasks within the office and knowledge sectors, it simultaneously boosts demand for what AI cannot replicate: craftsmanship, experience, and responsibility.
Friedrich Hubert Esser, President of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education (BIBB), similarly observed, “AI is driving craft trades forward”. He noted that many young people are re-evaluating their career choices and discovering the enduring stability of manual trades. Although Esser cautioned against assuming that “AI comes and everyone goes into crafts” the overall trend is certainly sharpening the focus on the security of practical, hands-on professions.
