Varese: 7,000 job vacancies by 2026. Here’s what changes for Ticino cross-border workers

Context

TL;DR

• Varese area faces 7,772 unfilled jobs in Q1 2026, 51.4% hiring difficulty rate.
• ICT, metalworking, and construction sectors most affected.
• Cross-border workers from Ticino at risk due to skill gaps.
• Micro-enterprises hit hardest, with 54.2% hiring difficulty rate.

Key facts

• Total planned hires: 15,120
• Unfilled positions: 7,772
• Hiring difficulty rate: 51.4%
• Coverage rate: 87.1%
• ICT hiring difficulty: 72.1%
• Metalworking difficulty: 55%
• Construction difficulty: 55%
• Economic impact: €42-105 million (Q1 2026)

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 simple wage increase but requires a structural intervention involving training, strengthening of ITS (Higher Technical Institutes), and attracting profiles from broader areas.

The economic impact of the mismatch

The failure to match supply with demand comes at a direct cost for businesses. The Research Center estimates an economic impact of between €42 and €105 million for the first quarter of 2026 alone. The estimate is based on an average duration of unfilled positions ranging from 45 to 75 days, with a daily cost per company estimated between €120 and €180.

Micro-enterprises, with fewer than ten employees, are the most penalized: the hiring difficulty rate rises to 54.2%, despite generally lower labor costs compared to larger companies. However, there is growing attention towards company welfare, internal training, and organizational flexibility to improve attractiveness.

Operational details

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
• Construction: 55% difficulty rate
• ICT: 72.1% of positions unfilled

What has changed compared to the past

Just a few years ago, the metalworking and construction sectors were characterized by steady but manageable demand. Today, the labor shortage has become structural, with repercussions on wages. According to the report, sectors facing shortages are seeing salary increases, a sign that companies are willing to pay more to retain employees or attract new hires.

For cross-border workers, this means:

• Increased competition: More candidates for each vacancy, allowing companies to be more selective in their hiring.
• Need for continuous training: Required skills evolve rapidly, especially in the digital field. Those who fail to update their qualifications risk being left behind.
• Room for negotiation: In critical sectors, workers with specialized skills may have greater leverage in negotiating salary or contractual terms.

⚠️ Opportunity alert: Workers with in-demand skills can leverage their position to secure better conditions.

Micro-enterprises vs. large companies

Micro-enterprises, which make up the majority of Varese’s productive fabric, are the most exposed to this crisis. With fewer than ten employees, they cannot compete with large corporations on salaries and benefits but must rely on flexibility and company welfare. For cross-border workers, employment in a micro-enterprise may offer greater job stability but fewer career advancement opportunities compared to a larger, more structured company.

«Despite this, an increasing number of businesses are investing in welfare, internal training, and flexible organizational structures to boost their appeal.» Confartigianato Imprese Varese Report

This trend could represent an opportunity for those seeking a more familiar and less competitive work environment, but it requires careful evaluation of the conditions offered.

💡 Food for thought: Could a smaller company with strong welfare policies be the right fit for your next career move?

Learn more about the report | Explore job opportunities in Lombardy

Recommended tools

For an updated estimate, use the net salary calculator and the CHF-EUR exchange comparator.

Key points

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 industry groups and engage with professionals in your field.
• Trade associations: Organizations like Confartigianato, CNA, or Federmeccanica host events, trade fairs, and networking meetings. Participation can open doors to new opportunities.
• Local events: Trade fairs, workshops, and seminars are opportunities to meet employers and other professionals. In the Varese area, events such as the Fiera di Varese or initiatives organized by Confartigianato can be valuable.

4. Explore alternative employment options

If your sector is particularly critical, it may be worth considering opportunities in less crowded industries. Sectors such as logistics, food production, or rubber-plastics, while not offering high salaries, provide greater stability. Alternatively, you might explore:

• Remote work: Some companies, particularly in the digital sector, offer smart working contracts that allow you to work from home or remotely.
• Self-employment: For those with technical skills, starting your own business can be an alternative, especially if you are willing to work independently.

5. Monitor opportunities across the border

For cross-border workers, the job market extends beyond Lombardy to include Ticino. Some Ticinese companies, particularly in digital and construction sectors, may offer more favorable conditions. It is worth:

• Searching for opportunities across the border: Platforms like LinkedIn, InfoJobs, or specialized sites such as Ticino Lavoro allow you to monitor job openings on both sides.
• Considering residency: In some cases, relocating to Ticino can open doors to more stable contracts and competitive salaries, especially if you work for a Swiss company.

Useful tools for cross-border workers

To navigate this landscape effectively, the Frontaliere Ticino website offers several practical tools:

• salary calculator: Estimate your net salary based on gross pay and residency.
• cost of living comparison: Evaluate the convenience of living in Ticino compared to Lombardy.
• border area map: Identify the most accessible municipalities near the border and job opportunities in the vicinity.

📊 > «The goal is to incorporate the cost of the mismatch into evaluations of active labor market policies.»

Paolo Rolandi, President of Confartigianato Imprese Varese

This statement highlights the importance of a strategic approach for both businesses and workers. For a cross-border worker, this means not just seeking a new job but evaluating opportunities with a long-term perspective, considering training, networking, and flexibility.

Source: varesenews.it