Popular professions in Poland

Poland's economy is showing steady development despite global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and economic turmoil. In 2022, the country showed GDP growth of 5.1%, although the pace slowed down in 2023, a trend that continues in 2024, at least for now. These changes in the economy are directly reflected in the labor market.

Trends in the Polish labor market vary by industry. For example, technical and IT occupations continue to be in high demand, while traditional manufacturing and administrative roles are experiencing oversaturation or automation.

Top professions in demand

In Poland, a number of professions remain particularly in demand due to economic trends and changes in the labor market. Among the most popular occupations are:

• Construction workers. The continuous development of the construction industry requires a large number of skilled workers.
• Electricians. With the increasing number of new construction projects and infrastructure upgrades, the demand for electricians is consistently high.
• Physical Therapists. Increasing focus on public health and well-being is driving demand for physical therapy professionals.
• Drivers. Logistics and transportation services continue to be an important part of the economy, keeping demand for drivers high.
• Chefs. The development of the gastronomy industry and tourism leads to the need for qualified chefs.
• Doctors. The health sector needs more medical professionals to meet the needs of the population.
• Mechanics. Given the growth of the automobile fleet in Poland, the profession of mechanics remains in demand.

These professions reflect the current needs of the Polish labor market and offer a variety of career opportunities.

Analysis of scarce occupations

In Poland there is a shortage of qualified specialists in several key sectors, which is related to the differences in the economic development of the country's regions. The most acute problem of labor shortage is in the following professions:

• Transportation and Logistics. Truck drivers and logisticians. Especially high demand in regions with developed production and warehouse complexes.
• Health care. Doctors and nurses. Regional centers such as Warsaw and Krakow need more health care workers due to growing populations and aging societies.
• Construction. Builders and installers. The country is undergoing extensive housing construction, especially in large urban agglomerations.

These deficits underscore the need for training and retraining policies tailored to the needs of the regions to meet current and future labor market demand.

Problems of redundant professions

This is especially true in some fields of education, humanities, and law, where the number of graduates far exceeds the number of available jobs. As a result, many specialists are forced to seek employment in other industries or move to less qualified positions.

To address these problems, it is important to analyze the needs of the labor market and adapt educational programs to fit current economic conditions. It is also recommended to develop retraining and advanced training programs that can help specialists find new opportunities in more in-demand industries.

Read also: Five highest paid professions in Poland

Education and qualifications

To improve your chances of finding a job in in-demand professions in Poland, it is important to choose the right educational programs and trainings. Here are some recommendations:

1. Technical and vocational education. Programs preparing specialists in construction, electrical and mechanical engineering are among the most sought-after. Polytechnics and colleges offer relevant courses.
2. Medical and pharmaceutical education. Given the shortage of medical professionals, training programs for doctors, nurses and pharmacists offer high chances of successful employment.
3. IT and Digital Technology. Educational programs related to software development, cybersecurity and data analysis also remain among the most sought-after. Universities and specialized schools offer various courses to train qualified IT specialists.
4. Language courses and intercultural training. Proficiency in Polish and English opens doors to many fields, including tourism, education and international business.

An effective choice of educational program and vocational courses significantly increases employment opportunities and contributes to a more successful career in Poland.

Prospects for the future

Prospects for the future of the labor market in Poland are related to the development of key sectors and changes in demand for certain professions. In the coming years, it is expected that the demand will increase in areas such as information technology, healthcare and construction. This is due to technological development, ageing population and increased investment in infrastructure.

On the other hand, some traditional occupations, such as bank clerks or retail workers, may see a decrease in demand due to automation and digitalization. Regional differences will also play a role, with large cities such as Warsaw and Krakow experiencing greater growth in the technology and services sectors, while other regions may see increases in areas related to manufacturing and agriculture.