Skilled labor shortage in Seeland 2026: Why suitable skilled workers are still difficult to find

The shortage of skilled workers in Seeland will remain a central issue in 2026. Although the Swiss labor market has cooled down somewhat in some areas, the demand for qualified employees remains high in many professional groups.

This is also reflected in the current figures: in the fourth quarter of 2025, total employment increased slightly 0.2 percent. At the same time, companies reported around 86,000 vacancies, and 36.2 percent of companies stated that they continued to have difficulties recruiting qualified workers.

For companies in Biel/Bienne and Seeland, this means that suitable skilled workers remain difficult to find in many areas. For applicants it also means that there are still good opportunities if qualifications, experience and regional availability match.

Why the shortage of skilled workers will remain relevant in 2026

Even if the shortage of skilled workers has eased somewhat across Switzerland, it has not disappeared. The Swiss Skills Shortage Index 2025 from Adecco and the Swiss Job Market Monitor at the University of Zurich shows that the shortage decreased for the second year in a row, but remains clearly noticeable in several professional groups.

In 2025, the index was around 22 percent below the previous year. At the same time, job advertisements fell by 8 percent, while the number of job seekers increased by 17 percent. Despite this development, there are still clear shortages in certain professions.

This is particularly relevant in economically dominated regions such as Seeland. The market has become more cautious, but the need for specialized professionals remains. Companies are hiring more selectively, but are still looking more specifically for suitable profiles.

Which professions will be particularly in demand in 2026

The current data clearly shows in which areas the shortage of skilled workers continues to be most pronounced. The following are particularly in demand:

• Health Professions
• technical specialists and engineers
• Specialists in construction and construction management
• Electrical and engineering profiles
• qualified specialists in industry and production

This development corresponds to the general employment situation in Switzerland. At the beginning of 2026, the Federal Statistical Office reported slightly fewer vacancies than in the previous year, but at the same time employment expectations remained stable.

What this means for Biel/Bienne and Seeland

The economic structure in Seeland is strongly influenced by industry, technology, production, construction, logistics and regional services.

Many of the professional groups that are in demand throughout Switzerland are therefore particularly relevant in Biel/Bienne and Seeland.

These areas in particular are likely to continue to play a central role in the region in 2026:

• Industry and production
• Construction and construction related industries
• technical specialist functions
• Logistics and operational services

Why companies in Seeland need to take a closer look

In 2026, the shortage of skilled workers will not only mean a lack of staff. It also means that recruiting needs to become more precise and strategic.

Companies can rely less on the availability of suitable candidates at short notice. At the same time, the data shows that recruitment difficulties remain high despite a slight decline in job numbers.

For companies this means:

• Define clearer requirement profiles
• Make recruiting processes more efficient
• pay more attention to fit rather than just availability
• Use regional networks in a targeted manner

Especially in a regional market like Biel/Bienne and Seeland, it is an advantage to work with a personnel service provider who knows the industry, the companies and the availability of skilled workers locally.

Why this development is also important for applicants

For skilled workers, the shortage of skilled workers is not just a statistic, but has a direct impact on their own opportunities. Anyone with experience in industry, technology, construction, health or specialized specialist functions will continue to have good prospects in 2026.

At the same time, the market has become more selective. Companies are taking a closer look at who they hire.

That's why it's more important to have the right qualifications, experience and regional connectivity. Anyone who communicates these points clearly will significantly improve their chances.

In addition, the job registration requirement is becoming increasingly important again. According to arbeit.swiss, the proportion of employees in occupational types that require registration will increase from 6.5 percent in 2025 to 10.8 percent in 2026. This underlines that there are still noticeable tensions in the labor market in several occupational segments.

What role selected plays in Seeland

selected supports companies and specialists in Biel/Bienne and Seeland to come together more quickly in this demanding market.

Regional market knowledge is a clear advantage, especially in sectors such as industry, construction, technology or production.

For companies this means:

• faster filling of vacancies
• Access to verified and suitable profiles
• realistic assessment of market availability

For skilled workers this means:

• Access to relevant positions in the region
• better orientation in the application process
• Support in positioning in the labor market

If you would like to find out more about the regional approach, you can find further information on selected ag. Current job offers are available on the page “Current jobs at selected“ available. For a direct one Get in touch the team is available at any time.

Conclusion: Skilled labor shortages will remain a central issue in 2026

The shortage of skilled workers in Seeland will continue to exist in 2026, even if individual market indicators have eased slightly.

Healthcare professionals, technical specialists, construction professionals, and electrical and engineering profiles remain particularly in demand. At the same time, the Swiss labor market shows that companies continue to face recruiting difficulties.

For companies, this means thinking about recruiting more strategically and regionally. For skilled workers, this means that there are still good opportunities in many areas.

A regional personnel agency provides orientation and efficiently combines demand and availability.