Crisis of social workers, childhood educators continues

Shortage of skilled workers in many sectors continued and 52 occupations are now experiencing labour shortage, according to Occupational barometer published by Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment on Friday.

The number of occupations suffering from labour shortage, however, is no longer growing, said an official press release.

In Spring 54 occupations experienced skilled workers shortage.

There is a major shortage of skilled senior social work specialists, early childhood educators, office and institutional cleaners, and speech therapists. In the past, speech therapists and cleaners were generally in short supply.

Construction and industry sectors no longer account for the leading shortage occupations. In autumn 2018, the top 15 shortage occupations in the construction industry were construction supervisors, civil engineers, concrete placers and finishers, and other construction workers. Similarly, the top 15 list no longer includes welders, gas cutters and machinists.

Meanwhile, the health care and social welfare sector accounts for a growing number of occupations on the top 15 list of shortage occupations. In fact, it now accounts for half of the occupations on the top 15 list.

In addition to the social and health sector, a number of occupations in the service and education sector suffer from labour shortage. New occupations on the top 15 list include special needs teachers and psychologists.