Varese: 7,000 job vacancies by 2026. Here’s what changes for Ticino cross-border workers
In the first quarter of 2026, the Varese area records 7,772 unfilled job openings. Critical sectors include mechanical engineering, construction, and ICT. The cost of this mismatch ranges between €42 and €105 million.
Contesto
The first quarter of 2026 has revealed an unprecedented structural tension in the labor market of the Varese area, with over 7,772 positions impossible to fill out of 15,120 planned hires by companies. According to the report by the Research Center of Confartigianato Imprese Varese, the hiring difficulty rate reached 51.4%, surpassing the critical threshold. Data collected in the territorial basin including Varese, Como, Monza-Brianza, and the northwestern Milan area paint a picture where 13 out of every 100 hires fail to materialize. The coverage rate stands at 87.1%, with a growing gap between the demand for and supply of skills. ### The four most affected sectors The analysis identifies four sectors with differing dynamics, yet all marked by critical issues. The hardest-hit areas are: - ICT and digital: with a hiring difficulty rate of 72.1%, the highest among all. The technical skills required are not matched by the availability of candidates. - Metalworking and Construction: both exceed 55% difficulty. Competition for skilled workers is so fierce that it is driving up wages, a sign of a fierce battle to retain or attract staff. - Tourism and hospitality: difficulty remains high, but without a corresponding increase in pay, reflecting a sector already accustomed to slim margins. The only positive data pertains to sectors like rubber-plastics, food, and logistics, where supply and demand are more balanced. > «The figure that concerns us most is the tension concentrated in the productive heart of the territory. Metalworking and construction are sectors where our SMEs compete daily for the same scarce technical skills.» > Paolo Rolandi, President of Confartigianato Imprese Varese The president of Confartigianato stresses that the solution cannot be reduced to a...
Dettagli operativi
For cross-border workers from Ticino who work in Lombardy, particularly in the Varese area, the situation described in Confartigianato Imprese Varese’s report poses a concrete risk to employment and wages. The gap between the skills required by employers and those available among candidates affects not only local residents but also directly impacts opportunities for those who cross the border every day. ### Sectors at risk for cross-border workers The most critical sectors — metalworking, construction, and ICT — are also those that have historically relied heavily on cross-border workers. A closer look reveals: - Metalworking: A key sector for many Ticinese companies operating in Lombardy. The difficulty in finding qualified staff exceeds 55%, with a growing demand for specialized skills in areas such as welding, CNC programming, and industrial maintenance. Companies that fail to fill vacancies risk losing contracts or delaying projects. - Construction: The construction boom in both Ticino and Lombardy has intensified the need for skilled labor. With a 55% difficulty rate, companies struggle to find specialized workers, including masons, electricians, and plumbers. For cross-border workers, this translates into fiercer competition for the few available positions, but also opportunities for those with certified skills. - ICT: The digital sector faces the worst shortage, with 72.1% of positions unfilled. The skills demanded — software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing — are increasingly rare, especially among workers who commute daily between Italy and Switzerland. Ticinese companies operating in Lombardy may need to revise their hiring plans or increase salaries to attract talent. 📊 Key data: - Metalworking: 55%+ difficulty in filling roles - Constructi...
Punti chiave
For a cross-border worker operating in the Varese area or neighboring territories, the situation described in the Confartigianato Imprese Varese report demands immediate action. Here are the concrete steps to take to address the labor shortage and protect your job position. ### 1. Assess your professional position First and foremost, it is essential to determine whether your sector or role falls within the critical ones. The most struggling industries — metalworking, construction, and ICT — present both risks and opportunities. If you work in one of these fields, now is the time to evaluate: - Specialist skills: Are they still up to date or do they need updating? - Certifications: Holding recognized qualifications can make a difference in selection processes. - Languages: In an increasingly competitive job market, fluency in English or other languages can be a significant advantage. ### 2. Update your professional profile If your skills do not meet market demands, it is time to invest in training. Opportunities are plentiful: - ITS courses: Higher Technical Institutes offer specialized programs in fields such as mechanics, construction, and digital technologies. Many are free or low-cost. - Corporate training: Some companies, particularly larger ones, provide internal upskilling programs. It is worth inquiring with your employer. - Digital certifications: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning offer recognized certifications in areas such as cybersecurity, software development, or project management. ### 3. Expand your professional network In an increasingly competitive job market, your network of contacts can make all the difference. Here are some concrete actions: - LinkedIn: Update your profile with skills, certifications, and achievements. Join i...
Punti chiave
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Which sectors are most critical for cross-border workers in the Varese area according to Confartigianato's report?
- The sectors facing the greatest challenges are ICT and digital (with 72.1% of businesses reporting difficulties), metalworking and construction (each exceeding 55%). While tourism and hospitality also face high difficulties, they are not accompanied by wage increases. Meanwhile, rubber-plastics, food production, and logistics appear to be more balanced.
- How much does the mismatch between labor supply and demand cost businesses?
- The Confartigianato Studies Centre estimates a quarterly cost ranging from €42 to €105 million for the first quarter of 2026. This estimate is based on an average vacancy duration of between 45 and 75 days and a daily cost per business of between €120 and €180.
- Are micro-enterprises more affected by labor shortages?
- Yes, micro-enterprises with fewer than ten employees report a recruitment difficulty rate of 54.2%, which is higher than the average. Despite this, these businesses are investing in corporate welfare, internal training, and organizational flexibility to enhance their appeal.
- What skills are most in demand in the critical sectors?
- In metalworking and construction, specialized skills such as welding, CNC programming, industrial maintenance, masonry, electrical work, and plumbing are highly sought after. In the digital sector, the most requested skills include software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.
- What can a cross-border worker do to improve their position in such a competitive job market?
- A cross-border worker can update their skills through ITS courses or digital certifications, expand their professional network by attending industry events, explore opportunities in less crowded sectors, and monitor job offers both in Lombardy and Ticino. Tools like the salary calculator and the municipality map can assist in career guidance.