Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi consider how Germany is spearheading a reskilling revolution, with a surge in adult education and the adoption of 3D printing technologies, ensuring its workforce remains competitive in the evolving global economy.
In today’s rapidly evolving job market, staying competitive requires continuous learning and skill development. Germany is taking this notion to heart, with a growing number of Germans returning to the classroom to acquire new knowledge and credentials to enhance their employment prospects. This trend, coupled with the rise of game-changing technologies like 3D printing, presents exciting opportunities for both individuals and industries alike.
The Need for Lifelong Learning
The German economy, known for its manufacturing prowess, is undergoing a significant transformation driven by digitalization, automation, and technological advancements. As traditional industries adapt to these changes, workers find themselves needing to upskill or reskill to remain relevant in the job market. This realization has sparked a surge in adult education programs, with Germans of all ages and backgrounds seeking to bolster their qualifications.
According to recent statistics from the German Federal Statistical Office, enrollment in adult education courses has increased by over 15% in the past five years. From coding and data analytics to project management and renewable energy, the range of subjects has diversified to cater to the evolving needs of the workforce.
“The concept of ‘one career for life’ is rapidly becoming obsolete,” says Dr. Anja Müller, a professor of adult education at the University of Cologne. “Continuous learning is no longer an option but a necessity for career longevity and success in the modern economy.”
Retraining for New Opportunities
One sector that has witnessed a significant influx of adult learners is the manufacturing industry. As Germany transitions towards Industry 4.0 – the integration of smart technologies into traditional manufacturing processes – workers are seeking to acquire the skills needed to thrive in this new era.
In 2023, Continental, the major global auto parts supplier, headquartered in Germany, announced it would begin laying off thousands of workers to reduce costs by about US$428 million. The automotive manufacturing giant has launched a comprehensive upskilling program for its employees in Germany, offering courses in areas such as robotics, data analytics, and additive manufacturing. The program aims to ensure that Continental’s workforce remains competitive as the industry undergoes rapid technological transformation.
Markus Bauer, a 37-year-old former Continental automotive assembly line worker, is one such individual. After his employer announced plans to automate significant portions of the production line, Bauer recognized the need to adapt. He enrolled in a technical college program to learn computer-aided design (CAD) and additive manufacturing techniques, including 3D printing.
“The writing was on the wall – either I upskill or risk becoming obsolete,” Bauer explains. “3D printing and digital manufacturing are the future, and I want to be part of that revolution.”
In some cases, companies are even joining forces to facilitate workforce transitions. Continental and Rheinmetall, two major German manufacturers, have announced plans to offer up to 100 workers from a neighboring factory near Gifhorn, Germany, the opportunity to retrain and potentially join their respective workforces. This collaborative approach underscores the importance of knowledge sharing and cross-industry cooperation in navigating the complexities of technological disruption.
By the end of 2025, Continental is implementing the global measures it announced in December to increase R&D efficiency in the Automotive group sector, affecting around 1,750 jobs worldwide. The group sector is analyzing the consolidation of locations in the Rhine-Main region and around 5,400 jobs will be affected.
The Role of 3D Printing in Reskilling
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is rapidly gaining traction across various industries due to its ability to create complex parts and prototypes with unparalleled speed and efficiency. As this technology continues to mature, the demand for skilled professionals proficient in 3D printing design and operation is skyrocketing.
Educational institutions across Germany have recognized this demand and are integrating 3D printing into their curricula. From engineering and design programs to vocational training centers, students are learning to harness the power of additive manufacturing for applications ranging from automotive and aerospace to medical devices and consumer products.
“3D printing is a game-changer for manufacturing,” says Dr. Sabine Fischer, a professor of mechanical engineering at the Technical University of Munich. “By incorporating this technology into our educational programs, we are equipping the next generation of workers with the skills they need to drive innovation and remain competitive in the global marketplace.”
Bridging the Skills Gap
Beyond formal education, 3D printing is also playing a crucial role in bridging the skills gap in the German workforce. Companies are partnering with training providers to offer upskilling programs that teach employees the fundamentals of 3D printing design, materials, and post-processing techniques.
One such initiative is the Additive Manufacturing Academy, a collaboration between Siemens, EOS, and several technical universities. The academy offers a range of courses and certifications, enabling professionals from various industries to gain hands-on experience with 3D printing technologies and their applications.
Another notable effort is the Alliance for Opportunity, a joint alliance between companies like Siemens and DHL, which has helped 2.7 million people retain their jobs by providing training and support during economic transitions.
“By investing in our employees’ skills, we are future-proofing our workforce and ensuring our competitiveness in the additive manufacturing landscape,” says Dr. Tobias Rühle, Head of Additive Manufacturing at Siemens.
The Research & Development Tax Credit
The now permanent Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit is available for companies developing new or improved products, processes and/or software.
3D printing can help boost a company’s R&D Tax Credits. Wages for technical employees creating, testing and revising 3D printed prototypes can be included as a percentage of eligible time spent for the R&D Tax Credit. Similarly, when used as a method of improving a process, time spent integrating 3D printing hardware and software counts as an eligible activity. Lastly, when used for modeling and preproduction, the costs of filaments consumed during the development process may also be recovered.
Whether it is used for creating and testing prototypes or for final production, 3D printing is a great indicator that R&D Credit-eligible activities are taking place. Companies implementing this technology at any point should consider taking advantage of R&D Tax Credits.
A Brighter Future Through Continuous Learning
As the German economy continues to evolve, the importance of lifelong learning and skill development cannot be overstated. By embracing emerging technologies like 3D printing and providing accessible educational opportunities, Germany is positioning itself as a leader in the global transition towards Industry 4.0.
For individuals like Markus Bauer, the decision to return to the classroom represents not only a path to professional growth but also a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the German workforce. As Bauer puts it, “Learning never stops, and that’s the key to staying relevant in an ever-changing world.”
