Education & Modern Work - vdma.eu

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!

We would like to draw your attention to the following interesting events organized by the VDMA Legal Department

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.

On October 10, 2025, the Bundestag debated the first reading of the government draft of a law to strengthen the autonomy of collective bargaining by ensuring compliance with collective bargaining agreements when awarding federal public contracts (Collective Bargaining Compliance Act).

The Federal Employment Agency has published its new technical directive on the Temporary Employment Act (AÜG) as of October 1, 2025.

The web seminar “Lean in Practice” used a digital tour of ITA's smart factory to show how lean methods can measurably improve production processes and help to avoid waste in the long term.

The training courses offered by the VDMA Academy specifically promote professional development and the acquisition of new skills—tailored to the current and future requirements of companies in the mechanical and plant engineering sector.

The works council must be involved when setting up a reporting office in accordance with the Whistleblower Protection Act.

Germany's security situation has changed dramatically. A state of tension or a NATO, alliance or defence case can no longer be ruled out. Strengthening defence capabilities has moved to the top of the political agenda.

The training situation in the mechanical and plant engineering sector is generally quite stable. However, there are still too many unfilled training positions.

Innovative approaches to generate enthusiasm for STEM professions and strengthen cooperation between education and industry at the 3rd Hamburg Engineering Summit

In an already tense economic situation, the Collective Bargaining Act is a step in the wrong direction. The effect is to burden medium-sized companies in Germany but not foreign competitors.

"Googling" as part of a recruitment process triggers information obligations towards the applicant and can lead to a claim for compensation.

Due to the authentic approach, many companies rely on their own trainees to reach pupils when recruiting young talent. The VDMA offers the right virtual training for your technical trainees.

According to the OECD education report, Germany only remains in the international midfield - despite increased spending on education. The VDMA is therefore calling for minimum standards in German and mathematics as well as targeted quality assurance measures in the education system.

According to the Federal Network Agency, telecommunications secrecy no longer applies to employers when employees use company email accounts privately.

Employees are not entitled to continued remuneration after a tattoo if they are unable to work due to complications such as inflammation.

Fresh ideas, smart solutions and strong networks emerge in the Startup Area at EMO 2025

On 27.08.2025, the Federal Cabinet adopted the draft law on the modernization of military service - Military Service Modernization Act (WDModG).

More than 3 million unemployed - these figures must be a wake-up call for politicians. Germany needs a turnaround in its labor market policy. Without a reduction in social spending and reforms, the situation will continue to worsen.

Assistance systems and technology-supported learning help free up resources in production

EMO 2025 offers a diverse program for young talent

The mechanical engineering industry has to cope with serious additional burdens: US tariffs are making business considerably more difficult, while rising social security contributions and high taxes are weakening companies. The government needs to act quickly.

Millions of tons of plastic end up unstructured in recycling or in the environment every day. But with Future Technologies and education, waste can be turned into something new: knowledge, enthusiasm and the chance for a sustainable future.

Olena Barkova came to Nuremberg from Ukraine 23 years ago to start her career at Baumüller. She still works here today and, as a software developer, has not only found her profession, but her vocation.

Interview with Mr. Shi Tao, General Manager, KOCKS Beijing Metallurgical Equipment

Training on land & at sea - diverse employment opportunities & attractive environment in an industry that is on the rise

The number of employees in the mechanical engineering sector in Germany fell slightly in the first half of the year, but companies are holding on to their core workforces even in turbulent times.

Companies in the machinery and equipment manufacturing sector pay well, but still are to be branded by means of the Collective Bargaining Compliance Law. The government is steering the wrong course here - it's the same for social spending.

Employment is also declining in industry and as long as the federal government refuses to make real reforms to the labor market, the problem will continue to worsen. This is also reflected in the draft budget.

Production technologies are driving Germany forward as a high-tech country. The new Hightech-Agenda is heading in the right direction, but this progress is still only on paper.

Salary benchmarks for selected professional positions in Chinese mechanical engineering - exclusively for members

No-poaching agreements have been in the sights of antitrust authorities for some time. Now the European Commission has imposed severe fines for the first time.