Ukraine has a record staff shortage: the Federation of Employers told whom they are ready to hire
26 September 2025 14:18
EXCLUSIVE
Businesses are facing a critical shortage of staff, and traditional stereotypes and bureaucracy are only making the situation worse. This was emphasized by Olena Kolesnikova, Chair of the Sustainable Development Committee of the Federation of Employers of Ukraine and Chair of the Industry Council of the Federation of Metallurgists, during the Discussion Forum of Educators and Employers “You Can’t Let the Youth Go” organized by
“If a candidate can get to the workplace and come back to work tomorrow, they will be hired. This is the main qualification today,” Kolesnikova emphasized.
According to her, mobilization, war and migration make the situation even more complicated. At the same time, companies must continue to work and develop, but finding people to work is becoming increasingly difficult.
Kolesnikova noted that many students are unaware of the existence of Ukrainian companies and have no idea of real career opportunities in the country.
“I go to the university and ask students what companies they know. Not once did they name all of them. People know brands, but they often don’t know about local businesses,” Kolesnikova said.
She also emphasized the importance of education: developing skills from school, popularizing exact sciences and technical professions helps solve the problem of staff shortages and prepares future specialists for Ukrainian business.
“We have not yet learned to fully respect ourselves and our capabilities. Ukrainian companies and educational institutions should show young people the prospects that really exist here,” Kolesnikova summarized.
Thus, to retain young people and form a new generation of specialists, business and education must work together, actively showing prospects and developing students’ practical competencies.
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