Bosnić: Skilled workers are easiest to hire in Serbia, with shortages in 2027

Serbia’s unemployment rate is projected to edge down from 8.7 percent last year to 8.6 percent in 2026 and 8.5 percent in 2027, according to the International Monetary Fund. Behind those figures is a labor market where employers still struggle to find workers with the right skills.

Milan Bosnić, director of the National Employment Service, said the decline in unemployment is positive, but it does not mean that companies can easily fill vacancies. He said Serbia no longer has a general unemployment problem, but rather a mismatch between the skills jobseekers have and what employers need.

Long-term unemployed need more support

Bosnić said many people on the National Employment Service register have been out of work for a long time and have lost touch with current labor market demands. He added that this can affect not only their skills, but also their motivation and confidence when applying for jobs.

To address that, the agency has developed support programmes that go beyond matching candidates with vacancies. These include help with preparing a modern CV, as well as guidance for job interviews and better self-presentation to employers.

Agency worked with more than 150,000 companies

Bosnić said the National Employment Service has gone through a broad reform over the past two years. As part of that process, the agency spoke with more than 150,000 companies to learn what skills they currently lack and what they expect to need over the next 12, 24 and 36 months.

He said this helped the agency adapt its services to both employers and jobseekers. According to Bosnić, more than 150,000 people found work or changed jobs in the same period. He estimated that around 50,000 of them were not previously listed as unemployed, but said that figure still needs to be checked.

Skilled trades remain in demand

Bosnić said demand for workers varies by city, depending on the local economy, industry and whether the area is a university center. Still, some jobs are in demand across most of Serbia.

He said workers with manual and technical skills are the easiest to hire, and that these jobs are also well paid. He listed carpenters, ceramic tilers, rebar workers and joiners among the most sought-after occupations, along with mechatronics specialists and engineers.

Bosnić also linked job creation to infrastructure investment, which can attract new companies and support business growth. He said logistics, telecommunications and stable electricity supply are also important for economic development.

He added that formal education remains important, but is no longer enough on its own for an entire working life. In practice, he said, workers now need continuous training and a willingness to adapt as the labor market changes.

For foreign readers and investors, the message is clear: Serbia’s challenge is shifting from joblessness to skills shortages. That matters for companies looking to hire, as well as for workers deciding which professions offer the best prospects. Related coverage can be found at latest news.