Education & Modern Work - vdma.eu

VDMA members have the opportunity to meet innovative startups at Hannover Messe 2026. VDMA Startup-Machine organizes curated 1:1 matchmakings for member companies with the aim of concrete collaborations.

Germany needs innovation, but technology education is too often lacking in schools. The VDMA is calling for technology to be made a compulsory subject in all types of school.

Germany sees itself as a nation of technology. Innovation, engineering and strong SMEs have long been the foundation of our prosperity. Yet technology has so far played only a minor role in the education System.

On February 10, 2026, we held our virtual kick-off event to exchange experiences on the topic of recruiting young talent.

The EU Pay Transparency Directive comes at an inopportune time. Small and medium-sized enterprises in particular are being unduly burdened with new reporting obligations. The German government must work hard to abolish this directive.

Employment in the mechanical engineering sector fell by a good 2 percent in 2025 compared to the previous year. In addition to the global economic downturn, the location problems in Germany and Europe are a key driver.

The High-Tech Agenda Germany sets new research policy priorities. What is behind the agenda? What significance does it have for the mechanical and plant engineering industry? How is the VDMA involved in its implementation?

Three interesting events are waiting for you in March. In addition to our online introduction to the new Five-Year Plan, we will also focus on competition strategy and employment restructuring.

Our startup community is constantly growing. On this page, we introduce new startups - with a focus on their specific contribution to mechanical and plant engineering and possible points of contact for collaboration.

While the economic situation is serious, the trade unions continue to block urgently needed labor market reforms. Sticking to the status quo, such as the rigid eight-hour working day, is irresponsible in the current situation.

Mechanical engineering companies cooperate with startups to gain innovative strength, speed and new technological impetus. VDMA Startup-Machine supports with a new offer VDMA members in identifying suitable startups and preparing the initial contact.

Mechanical engineering is gaining speed and precision with artificial intelligence. This innovative strength is also reflected in the theses submitted by graduates for the "Digitalization in Mechanical Engineering" prize for young talent.

From September 2 to 5, 2026, the international raw materials and building materials industry will meet at Europe's largest basalt quarry in Homberg/Nieder-Ofleiden in northern Hesse for steinexpo 2026.

Jobs are also being cut in mechanical engineering because the framework conditions are not improving. Politicians are failing to do their homework: Reduce bureaucracy and taxes, make the labour market more flexible.

Mechanical engineering remains an attractive employer for engineers. 70% of companies expect the number to remain stable, 18% even expect an increase. AI skills are becoming increasingly important.

Two VDMA online events in early 2026 will focus on the practical implementation of pay transparency in small and medium-sized enterprises, with specific practical examples from a management and HR perspective.

Its activities are intended to ensure that fluid power training in Germany remains fit for the future and that the urgently needed next generation of specialists is optimally prepared.

On January 1, 2026 and over the course of next year, various changes will come into force in the areas of the labor market, old-age provision, health and care.

The Act to Stabilize Pension Levels and Equalize Child-Raising Periods has been published in the Federal Law Gazette. This concludes the legislative process.

On December 17, 2025, the Federal Cabinet decided to once again extend the period of entitlement to short-time working allowance by decree.

The Federal Ministry for Digitalization and State Modernization launched the EinfachMachen portal on 12 December 2025.

Suitability assessment for wireless communications systems in industrial real-time applications

In mid-2023, physicist Katrin Swimm decided to take a job in mechanical and plant engineering. Here, she can pursue her love of experimentation as a development engineer and exchange ideas with colleagues in a diverse team.

In the course of the final debate on December 5, 2025, the previous draft law was adopted in the version amended by the recommended resolution. Please find attached the recommended resolution and the report of the Defense Committee.

In our theme publications, you will find facts, figures and data related to vocational training, engineering courses, skilled workers, mechanical engineers and women in machinery and equipment manufacturing.

The German government's pension package is a step backwards, not a step forward. Instead of urgently needed structural reforms, it cements the imbalance in the system every year.

The coalition committee of the CDU, CSU and SPD has agreed to extend the period of entitlement to short-time working allowance.

The NRW initiative "Europe - Experience and Learn" promotes stays abroad for trainees and strengthens international skills.

Germany as a high-tech location finally needs reforms. Only then can recruitment and employment incentives follow, as well as more interest in the important STEM degree programs.

When setting up entities abroad companies have to recruit and retain employees from different cultures and societies. Selecting executives, building local teams and balancing local staff and expats are key success factors.

The Industry-Science-Dialogue is a central platform for the exchange between companies and scientific institutions in the field of fluid technology throughout Europe.

With the Digital Omnibus, the EU wants to tackle three laws at the same time and thus create initial relief for the industry. However, this is not enough to ensure Europe's competitiveness as a digital location.

Only 37 percent of mechanical engineering companies are bound by collective agreements. Our latest survey shows: The majority rely on operational flexibility instead of formal collective agreements.

Improvements to the pension package are urgently needed. The Junge Union and Junge Gruppe of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group have a clearer view than the federal government.

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has only partially upheld an action brought by Denmark to annul the Minimum Wage Directive and declared only subparagraphs null and void.

The economic reforms announced by the German government are still a long time coming, while jobs are being cut. Companies need tangible relief now and not at some point in the future - including in the social and labor market areas.

The Fifth Ordinance on the Adjustment of the Level of the Minimum Wage (Fifth Minimum Wage Adjustment Ordinance - MiLoV5) was published in the Federal Law Gazette on November 7, 2025.

On November 5, 2025, the Federal Government's Cabinet for Reducing Bureaucracy adopted key points for reducing bureaucracy, which also affect occupational health and safety.

The mechanical and plant engineering industry is facing new challenges: Legislative changes, political decisions and recent court rulings are changing the employment law framework and presenting companies with new challenges.

The individual case is decisive for the proportionality of the length of a probationary period in a fixed-term employment relationship.

The planned Collective Bargaining Loyalty Act will harm industrial SMEs because it will bring even more bureaucracy, even though companies pay fair wages. In addition, it only applies in Germany, which may give foreign companies an advantage.

As team leader at WITTENSTEIN, Elena Albert is responsible for the development of sensors, intelligent software tools and digital services. Agile working, management tasks and business trips around the world mean that her job is never boring.

The Institute for Employment Research (IAB) has published the results of a company survey on the development of the burden of bureaucracy on German companies.

Median or best-paid colleague? What is the benchmark for equal pay claims?

From idea to impact: How the Adobe Kickbox and the 10 commandments of innovation promote courage, speed and a culture of learning.

Skills shortage meets technology: intelligent HMIs, VR training and assistance systems enable intuitive operation, faster familiarization and targeted training through microlearning.

#enSHEneer shows how female engineers are shaping mechanical engineering – visibly, inspiringly and accessibly. We are looking for new candidates for 2026. Get involved now and make diversity visible!

The Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS) has presented a plan to reduce bureaucracy in occupational health and safety.

Who is driving the future of mechanical engineering? What characterizes real innovation? At the Startup Award Mechanical Engineering Summit, young technology companies show how progress is made in our industry.

The shortage of skilled workers is worsening. But those who act early can benefit: The concept of the labor market hub shows how companies can retain skilled workers - and attract new ones - through targeted placement and training.