The expertise of specialists qualified specifically for the dairy industry (e.g. laboratory technicians and master technicians, dairy engineers or certified agricultural engineers) guarantee the excellent quality of dairy products. The German milk and dairy industry employs around 36,000 people and offers a host of future-oriented jobs. Employees qualified to work in the dairy industry can choose from a whole range of interesting jobs throughout the food sector, for the training provided in this industry is more than welcomed by other sectors.

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Specialists sought for the dairy industry

While many industries are looking to reduce the number of jobs they offer for qualified personnel, Germany's dairy industry is on the lookout for qualified specialists in all parts of the country. A good number of vocational training slots remains unfilled due to a lack of demand and a shortage of suitable applicants. While modern technology has allowed enterprises to reduce staff numbers, this applies mostly to unskilled employees or employees with rudimentary on-the-job training (in this industry as in others).

Specialists employed in production operations are less susceptible to job cutting, since structural developments within the dairy industry have tended to increase the demand for qualified personnel. According to a survey conducted by the Central Association of German Dairy Businesses, around 500 specialist positions remained vacant. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that around 7% of dairy specialists will have reached retirement age within the next five years. Given that an average of around 380 individuals complete their training every year, a number of vacancies already have little hope of being filled. While theses figures may be a concern for the companies, the job market will surely see them as a positive sign from the dairy industry.

For more information on jobs and training, go to
www.zdm-ev.de