Germany faces increased demand for skilled workers as technology and demographics shift, especially in net‑zero industries, the craft sector and key value chains.
In Lower Saxony, the transformation of major sectors, such as the automotive, steel, chemical and food industry, adds pressure, while the region’s push to become an energy hub creates new opportunities in batteries, e‑mobility and grid technologies.
In addition, a shortage of skilled workers risks slowing progress. EU initiatives such as the Net‑Zero Industry Act and the emerging NetZero Valley initiative offer momentum, but success will require modern, demand‑driven training in technical, engineering, STEM and digital skills.
The ambition
The Regional Skills Partnership aims to ensure Lower Saxony has the workforce needed to power net‑zero industry growth. It will map regional training offers, identify qualification needs and create a clear overview of continuing education options, especially for SMEs that often lack capacity for staff development.
It will also strengthen the regional skills ecosystem by connecting authorities, employment agencies, education providers, research institutions and economic development bodies, while coordinating with partners beyond the northwest.
Acting as a bridge to European initiatives such as the Net Zero Industry Academies, the Regional Skills Partnership will align training efforts, support complementary programmes and monitor progress to avoid duplication and plan for future skill needs.
The commitments
The Regional Skills Partnership will deliver five work packages analysing regional skills needs and the current continuing education landscape, drawing on expert interviews and a stakeholder survey involving education providers, universities, regional initiatives and the Federal Employment Agency.
Using these insights, the Regional Skills Partnership will translate skills needs into practical training offers and develop new formats where gaps emerge, working with regional providers.
All programmes will be guided by clear industry requirements and reviewed regularly with participating companies to ensure they remain relevant and demand driven.
Interested to learn about this RSP’s work? Find out more in the Partnership Declaration:
Details
- Publication date
- 15 May 2026
- Author
- Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion