Craft businesses facing labour shortages: opportunities 2026
Introduction
The Swiss craft sector is going through a paradoxical period. Demand for craft services has never been higher, but businesses are struggling to recruit. The result: full order books, lengthening waiting times, and business owners actively seeking successors.
This labour shortage particularly affects certain essential trades: plumbers, electricians, roofers, carpenters. Sectors where demand far exceeds supply, and where development prospects remain solid.
For an entrepreneur looking to take over a business, this is a concrete opportunity. These trades offer an established clientele, constant demand, and often stable profitability. But they also require technical skills, rigorous management, and a good understanding of the local market.
This article identifies the craft sectors under high pressure in 2026, explains why they lack manpower, and details the essential points to check before embarking on a craft business takeover.
📌 Summary (TL;DR)
The Swiss craft sector lacks qualified manpower, particularly in plumbing, electrical, roofing, carpentry and automotive mechanics. This shortage creates opportunities for buyers in sectors where demand remains strong and stable.
Before taking over, you must check the business's financial health, the quality of the order book, the skills of the existing team, and ensure that the necessary qualifications are in order.
📚 Table of contents
Why the Swiss craft sector lacks manpower
The craft sector in Switzerland is facing a structural labour shortage. Nearly 40% of craftspeople are over 55 years old and plan to retire in the coming years.
The number of apprentices remains insufficient to compensate for these departures. Many young people favour academic training or office jobs.
Yet client demand remains strong: energy renovations, maintenance of the property stock, solvent clientele. This tension creates solid takeover opportunities for qualified buyers.
Craft sectors under high pressure
Certain in-demand trades are experiencing a particularly marked shortage. These sectors combine strong client demand and a low number of available professionals.
For buyers, these businesses represent interesting opportunities: full order books, established clientele, recurring revenues. Here are the sectors under the most pressure.
Plumbing and sanitary
Demand for plumbing remains constant: maintenance, renovation, new construction. Qualified plumbers are scarce, creating a chronic shortage.
Established businesses often have a loyal clientele and well-filled order books. A craft business takeover in this sector offers stability and predictable revenues.
Electrical
The energy transition is boosting the sector: installation of electric charging points, solar panels, home automation. Strict regulations limit the arrival of new players.
Few young people are training for the trade. Result: many electrical businesses are actively seeking qualified successors to ensure their continuity.
Roofing and sheet metal work
A physically demanding trade, roofing attracts few new generations. Yet demand remains strong: roof maintenance, energy renovations, insulation.
Established businesses serve B2C and B2B clientele with interesting margins. Order books are generally full, guaranteeing stable activity.
Carpentry and cabinet making
Craft expertise remains highly sought after, particularly for bespoke work and quality finishes. The shortage of qualified carpenters is intensifying.
Many family businesses have no successor. With premium positioning and demanding clientele, profitability can be excellent for a competent buyer.
Bodywork and automotive mechanics
The Swiss vehicle fleet generates constant demand for maintenance and repairs. The transition to electric creates new opportunities for trained workshops.
Qualified mechanics are in short supply. Established workshops, with their loyal clientele and modern equipment, are actively seeking buyers.
What you need to check before taking over
A craft business takeover requires rigorous evaluation. Check the order book, the condition of equipment, required qualifications and the strength of the existing clientele.
The financial situation must be analysed in detail. A professional valuation allows you to estimate the real value of the business.
Get support from specialised experts (fiduciaries, lawyers) to secure the transaction. Consult the craft businesses available to identify concrete opportunities.
The labour shortage in the Swiss craft sector creates concrete opportunities for buyers in 2026. Sectors such as plumbing, electrical, roofing, carpentry and bodywork offer stable demand and well-filled order books. These essential trades benefit from a loyal clientele and constant demand, even in uncertain economic times.
Taking over a craft business in these fields presents real advantages: little local competition, high barriers to entry for new players, and transmission of established expertise. But be careful: check the financial health, the state of the order book, the quality of equipment and the possibility of recruiting or training staff.
Are you looking to take over a craft business? Browse businesses for sale on Leez and identify opportunities in your region. Our platform gives you access to verified listings and a network of experts to support you in your takeover project.
