The labor market is in an atypical situation: what vacancies have Ukrainians started looking for

Demand for government positions has begun to grow in Ukraine due to the possibility of obtaining a reservation from mobilization, while construction, transport, and industry are facing acute shortages of personnel. The imbalance between education and the real needs of the labor market remains one of the key issues that needs to be addressed for the stability of the economy.

This is stated in the review of the National Institute for Strategic Studies. Despite the general shortage of personnel, the civil service remains one of the most popular areas of employment. Competition for government positions:

• 5 applicants for one position (23,200 applicants for 4,600 vacancies);
• competition is also high in agriculture, among top managers and IT specialists.

The increased demand is explained by the fact that government officials can receive a reservation from mobilization, which makes such vacancies attractive to men of military age. Despite overall unemployment, the shortage of workers remains critical in industry. The most in short supply are:

• engineers and technical specialists (especially in machine building, metallurgy, and defense);
• construction workers – the lack of labor is slowing down the implementation of important infrastructure projects;
• energy specialists, especially electricians, power plant operators, and engineers.

The problem of staff shortages existed even before the war, but after the full-scale invasion, it became even more acute due to the mobilization and departure of some specialists abroad. One of the most affected industries was the transportation sector, which traditionally employed men of military age. The worst situation is in the following segments:

• freight transportation;
• public transportation – there is a shortage of electric and bus drivers in large cities.

This problem was relevant even before the war, but now it has reached critical proportions. Different professions have different levels of competition in the labor market. Jobs with the highest competition:

• specialists in the agricultural sector (operators of livestock farms, farmers);

• managers and executives;
• employees in the trade and services sector;
• teachers of general secondary education.

The largest shortage of personnel is observed among skilled workers with tools (welders, installers, mechanics) and general practitioners. The imbalance between education and the real needs of the labor market continues to grow.

• Only 27.2% of Ukrainians work in the specialty they have obtained;
• 29.5% work in fields partially related to their education;
• 43.2% are not employed in their specialty at all.

This indicates the need to revise educational programs and establish closer cooperation between universities and employers. Experts note that comprehensive reforms are needed to stabilize the labor market:

• development of vocational education to ensure that graduates acquire real skills for in-demand professions;

• government business support programs to compensate for the shortage of personnel in critical industries;
• modernization of labor legislation – for flexible labor regulation during the war;
• expanding opportunities for internal migration to help people find jobs in regions with demand for their skills.

As OBOZ.UA reported earlier, in January 2025, the highest salaries were recorded in the following professions: media buyers (UAH 67,500), international drivers (UAH 55,000), and dentists (up to UAH 51,900), while the median salary in the country remained at UAH 24,000. The largest increase in income was observed in top management, construction, insurance, and the beauty industry.

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