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Ukraine needs 1.5 million additional workers for reconstruction, but youth are choosing different careers

A new Ipsos study reveals a critical gap between Ukrainian youth's professional aspirations and the country's reconstruction needs. The manufacturing sector will require 20% additional workforce, yet only 2% of teenagers see themselves in this field. Experts call for rethinking career guidance systems and promoting in-demand professions among youth to successfully implement $524 billion worth of reconstruction projects.

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How Ukrainian youth's professional dreams can impact the country's reconstruction: new study by Ipsos and Kateryna Osadcha Foundation

At the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome, an analysis titled "How to Build Bridges Between Youth's Professional Dreams and Recovery Needs" was presented by the research firm Ipsos and commissioned by the Kateryna Osadcha Foundation.

The study is based on modeling labor market needs in case of full financing of Ukraine's reconstruction projects envisioned within the RDNA4 framework. These total needs are estimated at $524 billion. Ipsos’ conservative results indicate that to implement these projects, Ukraine will need an additional 1.5 million workers.

Meanwhile, analysis of career choices by Ukrainian teenagers, based on the "Future Index" study made by the First Lady's Office, shows significant gaps between youth aspirations and economic recovery needs. For example, the manufacturing sector will require 20% additional workforce, but only 2% of young people see themselves in this field. In the energy sector, the ratio is 12% to 1%.

This creates a challenge for Ukraine's career guidance system. As foundation founder Kateryna Osadcha emphasizes, the task of the state, businesses, and international organizations will be to popularize in-demand professions amongst the youth and direct entrepreneurial energies into key sectors: "If you don't want to work in manufacturing — open your own business. If you don't want to be an employee driver — create a transport company."

The report also formulated two strategic models:

  • a model for assessing personnel needs for the economic recovery.
  • a model for bringing together employers and youth seeking employment in the labor market.

The material was created by Ipsos company at the initiative of the 'Kateryna Osadcha Foundation' with the support of the Askold and Dir Fund as a part of the Strong Civil Society of Ukraine - a Driver towards Reforms and Democracy project, implemented by ISAR Ednannia, funded by Norway and Sweden. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility the 'Kateryna Osadcha Foundation' and Ipsos and can in no way be taken to reflect the views the Government of Norway, the Government of Sweden and ISAR Ednannia.

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