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Education & Modern Work
New work concepts, digitalized workplaces, changing expectations of employees: The world of work is undergoing rapid change, placing high demands on politics, society and companies. But what does this mean in concrete terms? How can companies and educational institutions prepare for the change in order to take advantage of the transformation?

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In difficult economic times, the VDMA supports its members with valuable information and personalised advice. Together, we find the right course and strengthen the resilience of companies.

Header-Bildung & Modernes Arbeiten

Education & Modern Work
New work concepts, digitalized workplaces, changing expectations of employees: The world of work is undergoing rapid change, placing high demands on politics, society and companies. But what does this mean in concrete terms? How can companies and educational institutions prepare for the change in order to take advantage of the transformation?

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Arbeitsrecht
Fachkräftesicherung
Fort- & Weiterbildung
Home-Office
Ingenieurausbildung
Ingenieurinnen
Innovationskultur
Jobs im Maschinenbau
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Nachwuchsgewinnung
Nachwuchskampagne
Organisation & Kultur
Personalmarketing & Rekrutierung

Aktuelles

From our content

From our content
Involvement of the works council when setting up a reporting office

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

National and alliance defense: Situation and consequences for employers

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.

High willingness to take on employees & growing effort in recruiting young talent

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

Mission engineering profession - passion for technology moves

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

"Discrimination against domestic companies"

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" triggers information obligations

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

Trainees as ambassadors for technical professions

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.

VDMA calls for minimum standards and more quality measurement in schools

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.

A little more clarity in the application of telecommunications secrecy

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

No continued payment of remuneration due to tattoo complications

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

Startup Area at EMO 2025 connects tradition with innovation

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

Military service: Cabinet approves draft law

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

We cannot afford to deny reality!

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.

Chatting with smart machines

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

Record registrations for the Special Education Show-case

EMO 2025 offers a diverse program for young talent

"Painful reforms are unavoidable"

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.

Circular economy meets education

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 and software development

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

Navigating Recruitment Challenges in China

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

Career opportunities in maritime mechanical engineering

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

Job cuts continue - pressure for reform grows

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.

"Compulsory compliance is an expression of mistrust"

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.

"We have to ask more from all employees!"

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.

"Success can only be achieved with production technologies!"

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 Report China

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

Fine for No-poaching Agreement

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.

Increase in the statutory minimum wage agreed

In the third consultation meeting on the minimum wage adjustment on June 27, 2025, the Minimum Wage Commission unanimously passed a resolution to increase the minimum wage on the basis of a mediation proposal by the chairwoman.

"Additional social spending is anti-benefit"

The pension package with additional expenditure envisaged by Labor Minister Bas does not solve any of the problems, but rather increases them. Companies and employees need serious structural reforms.

Facts and figures: Research and innovation

In our theme publication you will find facts and figures on research and development, innovations and patents in machinery and equipment manufacturing.

Laws that must be posted: New online version published

An updated version of the online edition of the laws that must be posted on June 1, 2025 has been published in the GDA Employers' Library.

Probationary period passed! On second thoughts, no!

A probationary period termination can be classified as contrary to good faith due to contradictory behavior if the takeover was previously promised.

Apply now: 30 engineering students will travel to #MBG free of charge

The VDMA and the WITTENSTEIN Foundation are bringing you to Berlin – to the most important industry event for mechanical and plant engineering.

"Weeks of Technology" send a strong signal for recruiting young talent

For six weeks, the focus was on young people, their prospects and mechanical engineering throughout Germany. Several thousand offers for young talent at 407 company and university locations are proof of the success.

Changes under the Maternity Protection Adjustment Act

Women who suffer a miscarriage from the 13th week of pregnancy have been subject to maternity protection since June 1, 2025.

Shaping the future: Young talents at the Mechanical Engineering Summit

Young engineering talent meets industry decision-makers: 30 students discuss the future of mechanical engineering with leading executives at the Mechanical Engineering Summit 2025. Be there and contribute your perspective!

"More employment is only possible with lower non-wage labor costs"

Non-wage labor costs must be significantly reduced, only then can more employment be expected. this requires a real structural reform in the social security branches.

Dialogue on entry and stay for business purposes

The EU and the United Kingdom have decided to enter into a dialog on the entry and stay of persons for business purposes. The VDMA hopes that this will facilitate work assignments in the United Kingdom.

AI competence in companies

In a FAQ, the EU Commission has clarified what the AI Regulation (AI Act) means by AI competence and what obligations apply to the operators of AI systems.

MaSHEnenbau - Attracting and retaining female engineers and developing careers

In May 2025, the VDMA is launching a new funding project with the aim of supporting female engineers in their professional development and sensitizing key stakeholders in companies to the gender dimension of corporate culture.

Verena Grifone Fuchs and electronics

Verena Grifone Fuchs, who holds a doctorate in electrical engineering, works as a technical project manager at Thomas Magnete. This role requires her to have a keen eye for detail, excellent communication skills and technical expertise.

Exclusion from works council due to data protection breach

Forwarding of personal employee data by works council member via private email account justifies exclusion from works council

Voluntary military service, federal voluntary service, disaster relief

The newly formed government wants to maintain the voluntary nature of military service. In addition, it plans to further strengthen the reserve and homeland security and to better anchor them structurally and socially.

GDPR violation according to works agreement

Compensation after loss of control of data

Unauthorized publication of health data

Disclosure of health data by employers can lead to compensation.

"Debate on flexibilization of working hours"

Companies in Germany urgently need relief, also in terms of labor market regulations. Switching to a maximum weekly working time would be an important step towards more flexibility.

Mental health as a factor for success in mechanical engineering

Mental health is a strategic success factor: investing in leadership, team spirit and culture reduces absenteeism and boosts motivation, innovation and employee loyalty.

Employment law and labor market policy 2025: What companies can expect

Current labor law and political decisions present companies with new challenges - an overview of the most important changes and practical recommendations for implementation.

"Convenience does not create economic growth"

Germany brings up the rear of the industrialized nations in terms of forecast economic growth. Reforms are also needed in the labor market, which can be perceived as painful.

Shortage of young talent continues - VDMA launches "Weeks of Technology"

Many companies are still facing bottlenecks in the recruitment of young talent. The VDMA is therefore launching the "Weeks of Technology" together with its members and universities.

Mastering challenges in NRW - securing the future

Strengthen the resilience of your company. Our series of events shows ways through difficult economic times - compact, practical and future-orientated.

Unsere Empfehlungen fĂĽr Sie

VDMA Academy: Ihr Partner fĂĽr berufliche Weiterbildung

 

Mit praxisnahen Seminaren und Lehrgängen vermittelt die VDMA Academy branchenrelevantes Wissen und unterstĂĽtzt die Teilnehmer bei ihrer fachlichen und persönlichen Weiterentwicklung. 

 

VDMA-Nachwuchskampagne setzt starkes Zeichen

 

Sechs Wochen lang standen bundesweit junge Menschen, ihre Perspektiven und der Maschinenbau im Mittelpunkt. Mehrere tausend Angebote fĂĽr den Nachwuchs an 407 Unternehmens- und Hochschulstandorten belegen den Erfolg.

Ăśbers Gehalt redet man nicht? Wir schon.

 

Die VDMA Gehaltsstudie ist fertig! Der Ergebnisbericht wurde an die Teilnehmer automatisch versandt. Nicht-Teilnehmer können die Studie im Shop des VDMA Verlags bestellen.

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Events

Thu. 13.11.25 Fri. 14.11.25

  • Apprenticeship Placements

13. + November 14, 2025 | Because of the authentic approach, many companies rely on their own trainees to reach students when recruiting young talent. The VDMA offers the right digital training for your technical trainees.

Places available

Thu. 11.12.25 Fri. 12.12.25

  • Apprenticeship Placements

11. + December 12, 2025 | Because of the authentic approach, many companies rely on their own trainees to reach students when recruiting young talent. The VDMA offers the right digital training for your technical trainees.

Places available

Our services

Our services
Working Group HR
The central working HR group takes up current topics in HR work and makes them transferable for the practice of our members.

exklusiv

VDMA salary study
How much do development engineers and IT specialists earn in a medium-sized company? The VDMA salary study clarifies the situation and provides indications for company-specific salary benchmarking.
Fit for the future - advanced training courses at the VDMA Academy
Being the VDMA's training academy, we support you in developing new competencies. Contact us - we will gladly advise you!
Personal consultation on all aspects of labor law
The VDMA Legal Department provides its members with a continually updated overview of the decisions and legal developments relevant to businesses and HR managers.
Guide to action for recruiting young talent
Companies today need to recruit young apprentices at an early stage. The new VDMA "Handlungsleitfaden Nachwuchswerbung" (Guide to action for recruiting young talent) demonstrates how this is possible.
Studies & Surveys
The VDMA regularly publishes studies and surveys on engineering studies and derives suitable positions and statements from them.
Talent machine - the young talent portal for the mechanical engineering industry
Portal with news, info, internship job exchange and Best Practices for educational and personnel managers
Our services in the field of higher education
VDMA maintains a wide range of services for member companies, but also for universities and media agencies in the field of engineering studies. Get an overview here.

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Facts and figures: Education and workforce in mechanical engineering
In our theme publications, you will find facts, figures and data related to vocational training, engineering courses, skilled workers, mechanical engineers and women in mechanical engineering.
Fit for the future - advanced training courses at the Institute for Mechanical Engineering
Being the VDMA's training academy, we support you in developing new competencies. Contact us - we will gladly advise you!

AusschĂĽsse

Committees
Education & Modern Working Committee
VDMA Education Committee
The VDMA Education Committee is the authoritative body for networking and exchange among VDMA member companies on education topics, as well as for monitoring and steering VDMA activities in this area.

Chair

Dipl.-Ing. (DH) Steffen Stippl

HOMAG GmbH

Legal Working Group
Working Group Labour Law
With a fixed group of participants, employment law problems and developments in the area of case law and legislation are discussed at regular intervals and positions are developed. The impact of digitalisation on the world of work and the associated challenges in terms of employment law are an important part of the format

Management

Fabian Seus

Level 2 Minimal Contact Display

Vorteilskommunikation

Benefits for you as a member

Largest industry network in Europe

3,600 primarily medium-sized member companies in the capital goods industry make the VDMA the largest industrial association in Europe and the most important network organization in the industry.

Strong representation of interests

The VDMA is the most important voice of the machinery and equipment manufacturing industry. It represents the common economic, technical and scientific interests of the industry in Germany and around the world.

A wide range of services

More than 500 VDMA employees worldwide support you with practical services to make the right decisions in your company - along the entire value chain.