Technology Eases Skills Shortage Pressure in Sweden's VVS Industry

The Swedish VVS industry is experiencing a pronounced skills shortage among installers and engineers, leading to delays in construction projects and impeding the green transition. According to reports from the Swedish Public Employment Service, there is growing demand for skilled workers in installation, operation, and maintenance that exceeds supply. The National Agency for Education warns that vocational training alone will not meet this rising demand.

This scarcity has forced some companies to either postpone projects or decline contracts despite high demand. Bugge Holm Hansen, futurist and director at the Copenhagen Institute for Future Studies, highlights that attracting youth requires making technical professions feel relevant and purposeful, especially by showing their role in digital transformation.

Grundfos, a global leader in pump and water technology solutions, is leveraging digitalization to relieve installers’ workloads and make the profession more attractive. John Ove Laksberg, Sales Director at Grundfos, explains that the Grundfos GO app consolidates installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and documentation tasks into one accessible platform. This innovation enables installers to complete jobs efficiently onsite without additional paperwork, improving both speed and service quality.

While the skills gap won’t disappear overnight, integrating smart technology into daily VVS work can create more time, enhance quality, and foster pride in the profession. It also positions VVS professionals as key contributors to the sustainable building sector and energy optimization, underpinning their vital role in Sweden's green transition.