--- title: "Ukrainian economy: labor shortage and a new focus on engineering professions" description: "By 2036, Ukraine will need more than 2.6 million new workers. πŸ—οΈ Construction and industry will be the leaders in hiring, while the agricultural sector will shrink. The state is changing the personnel training system, focusing on real demand rather than university plans. πŸ“‰πŸ“ˆ" date: 2026-07-22T20:50:00.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/ukrainian-economy-labor-shortage-engineering-focus tags: [ukraine, sergey-babak, labor-market, economy, education] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Ukrainian economy: labor shortage and a new focus on engineering professions ![Young engineer in hard hat and overalls against industrial workshop background β€” symbol of Ukraine’s new economic focus on engineering professions amid labor shortage](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/22/ukrainian-economy-labor-shortage-engineers/ukrainian-economy-labor-shortage-engineers-1.webp) The Ukrainian economy faces a massive challenge: over the next decade, the country will need more than 2.6 million new workers. According to forecasts based on economic modeling, the highest demand will be observed in areas requiring high qualifications: technical specialists, engineers, and skilled workers. This was reported by Serhiy Babak, Head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Education, Science, and Innovation. The official stated that the state is changing its fundamental approach to workforce training. The focus is now not on the desires of universities, but on the real needs of the labor market. ### Economic modeling instead of inertia The system of education and specialist training in Ukraine is undergoing serious changes. Previously, planning was often based on how many students universities were willing to accept. Now, the priority is the shortage and surplus of specific professions in the economy. "We are changing the foundation. Finally, we are beginning to plan specialist training based on the real needs of the country, and not just on the number of specialists that higher education institutions want to train," Babak stated. This concept, developed for almost two years, has already been incorporated into Draft Law No. 10399 on grants, which is awaiting its second reading. The government has already launched an experimental resolution, according to which the state order in universities will be formed based on precise economic modeling. This should prevent a situation where some specialists are in demand while others are in critical shortage. ### Labor market: figures and trends Economic modeling shows a steady growth in the total number of employed people. According to forecasts, the number of working Ukrainians will increase steadily: - In 2025 (taking into account informal employment) β€” 12.9 million people. - In 2030 β€” 13.6 million people. - In 2036 β€” 14.6 million people. Thus, by 2036, the economy will need more than 1.7 million people more than in 2025. The restoration of destroyed infrastructure will become the main driver of this growth. ### Construction and industry: leaders in hiring The construction sector will become the leader in the rate of creation of new vacancies. The demand for builders will more than double: from approximately 520 thousand employed in 2025 to 1.24 million workers in 2036. Significant growth is also expected in the processing industry. By 2036, the industry will need more than 1.7 million workers, which is 400 thousand more than current figures. Enterprises will be looking for technologists, equipment operators, and quality control specialists. Scientific and technical activities will demonstrate growth of 75%. The demand for workers in this sector will increase from 500 thousand people in 2025 to almost 880 thousand in 2036. This segment covers a wide range of professions: from design to professional services for business. ### Sectors of stability and reduction Not all industries will show growth. In the agricultural sector, the number of employed will gradually decrease: from 1.8 million people in 2025 to 1.57 million in 2036. The IT and telecommunications sector will remain stable, without a significant jump in numbers β€” the forecast for 2036 is 263 thousand specialists. In education, the emphasis is shifting from quantity to quality. The number of teachers and instructors will remain practically unchanged (about 1.23 million people). However, it is education that will become the main mechanism for adapting personnel to new market requirements. Healthcare and social assistance will remain one of the largest areas of employment. The demand for medical workers will grow annually, with rehabilitation specialists and psychologists being particularly in demand. By 2036, the sector will need almost 945 thousand workers. ### Where to get personnel? University graduates alone will not be enough to cover the growing demand. Ukraine will have to return migrants and attract the economically inactive population. The development of sectors ensuring the restoration and modernization of the country will create a significant need specifically for skilled workers.