Although everything is always changing, everything also remains the same.
Where labor shortages are concerned, they always exist. The only thing that
changes is where they are concentrated and the conditions that caused them.
Currently, there are conditions of stability and instability which are equally
affecting their respective labor populations. In addition to those conditions
are the political and emotional climates of local populations. Here are four countries facing the skill shortages that will
offer entirely different experiences for the foreign talent who meet those
demands.

Canada

For IT professionals, the news out of Canada is that they need you. In
particular, they need 182,000 of you. And they need you all by 2019. A report
prepared by the country’s Information and
Communications Technology Council (ICTC) explains the source of the talent
shortage. The industries of information communication technology (ICT) and everything
related to the Internet has exploded with innovation. This has been the
strongest sector of growth and productivity in Canada. There simply are not
enough Canadians to fill the labor demand. Recruiters are particularly
interested in:

• Computer & information
  system managers
• Computer programmers
• Data administrators
• Database analysts
• Graphic
  designers/illustrators
• Information systems
  consultants & analysts
• Interactive media developers
• Software engineers

Germany

Although Germany has taken in a record number of immigrants, as refugees,
many of these are not skilled workers. Despite the influx, it has not been
enough to offset the country’s shortage of skilled labor. A report published
this spring by the Cologne Institute of Economic Research predicts a shortfall
of nearly one million in the skilled labor category within the next four
years.

Eonomists with the Wall
Street Journal suggest that skilled labor in the STEM fields (science,
technology, engineering and mathematics) will be in the highest demand.
Software companies and automobile manufacturers are preparing to experience
the pressure of labor shortages that will affect productivity. About
40% of German companies are feeling the pinch of skilled labor open positions
that are remaining unfilled.

Italy

It seems amazing that a country like Italy would experience a labor
shortage. It’s not a large country but there seems to be no shortage of work.
It is a beautiful country resplendent in history and steeped in rich
culture. How on earth could there possibly be a shortage of immigrants willing
to go to Italy for work?

According to economists,
it could be because the labor shortage is in low paying jobs. For skilled labor
this is simply not what they are looking for. However, before skipping over the
Italian want ad for a village pizza maker, consider the opportunity. Italy
is emerging from a recession. Job creation has become the priority of the
Italian government. The country is poised for an upswing. Although many
discouraged Italians are not willing to sling dough, it could be a chance
for a skilled foreign worker to get their foot in the door.

By taking any job opportunity skilled foreign talent has the chance to work
at a low responsibility job temporarily. This creates the prime conditions to
continue education and training, increasing your value as a skilled worker. As
better job opportunities open up, the foreign worker is prepared to immediately
take advantage of it. Considering that studies indicate that
more than 60% of Italians are so discouraged they are not even looking for work
any longer, the future field of opportunity for skilled foreign labor is wide
open.

Belgium

Back in 2010 Belgium published a study
indicating that its labor shortage would be met through foreign talent.
Although the economic woes of the European Union have resulted in austerity
measures and massive layoffs, this is a labor market that will have to rebuild
through the strength of foreign talent, particularly in the IT and engineering
fields.

Conflict with France over laws considered anti-labor have led to
massive protest with union workers engaging in strikes across the nation.
If the labor movement comes out the victor in this struggle, Belgium will be
facing a shortfall of skilled labor with positions that will offer competitive
pay and better security than is currently enjoyed. For foreign talent who are
not yet prepared to make their move, keep your eye on Belgium. It may be ready
when you are.

More Than A Job

It is not enough to simply fill a gap with regard to skilled foreign talent
matching up with a job. There are reasons why a country is experiencing a
shortfall. Conditions of stability and progress are just as much
contributors to labor shortage as instability and growth through low skill
sector jobs. These factors should be considered when looking for opportunity
that matches your skill set. It is not just a company you are joining. You will
become a part of a community including all of the politics and social dynamics
that define it. That is why it is so important to stay connected with industry experts who provide up-to-date
information on the ever-changing needs of foreign talent across the globe.