European defense companies facing challenges finding skilled workers as demand increases

From Yahoo Finance: 2025-05-27 03:07:00

Czech defense company struggles to find staff to meet increased demand for missile and drone engines due to Europe’s military spending surge following Trump’s warnings. Lack of specially trained AI engineers, data scientists, welders, and mechanics. PBS Group raises wages by 8%, plans another 10% hike in 2025 to attract talent. Other firms poaching from various sectors, looking to local schools for recruits.

EU aims to bring military procurement back to Europe, launch Union of Skills training strategy. Franco-German KNDS boosts hiring by 50% annually, faces recruitment challenges due to lack of AI experts and specialized skills. Kearney report suggests Europe needs 760,000 new skilled workers with a boost in defense spending to 3% of GDP.

Rheinmetall plans to increase workforce by 29%, primarily seeking product developers, engineers, welders, and electronics technicians. Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Leonardo also face challenges in finding STEM experts. Headhunting Factory in France struggles to recruit for defense industry suppliers due to a shortage of skilled workers.

Auto industry workers like Emrullah Karaca consider transitioning to defense sector due to job availability. STV Group in Czech Republic benefits from auto industry struggles to recruit workers. Hensoldt CEO welcomes former auto workers for expertise in just-in-time manufacturing to support scaling up production.



Read more at Yahoo Finance: Analysis-Europe’s defence companies scramble for workers as business booms