SOFIA, Bulgaria — More than half of Bulgaria’s unemployed lack professional qualifications, according to recent data from the Employment Agency.
This group has grown by 8% compared to the same period last year, highlighting a growing challenge in the country’s job market.
Currently, over 152,000 people are unemployed in Bulgaria, with more than 87,000 of them lacking the necessary qualifications to meet the demands of today’s job market.
Gabriela Dimcheva, Deputy Director of the Employment Agency, pointed to the complex causes of unemployment, emphasizing the impact of Bulgaria’s economic situation.
“The gap between the skills possessed by job seekers and those required by employers is widening. Regional disparities and mismatched skills only exacerbate the problem,” Dimcheva explained.
The need for digital skills has become increasingly urgent in the modern job market, especially as businesses across various sectors turn to technology to drive growth. However, a large portion of the workforce lacks these essential skills, limiting their employment opportunities.
Disparities Across Age Groups
The data also reveals striking disparities in unemployment rates across different age groups. Young people under 24 face the lowest rates of unemployment, making up just 5% of the total unemployed population.
This relatively low figure is attributed to the growing emphasis on digital literacy and adaptability among younger generations.
Conversely, the highest unemployment rates are found among those aged 30 to 44, who represent 33% of the unemployed population. Many in this age group face difficulties transitioning to new careers, especially in industries where digital skills are crucial.
Individuals over 55 also face significant challenges, accounting for 29% of the unemployed. Long-established professionals often struggle to adapt to evolving job market demands, especially as industries shift toward digitalization.
Additionally, those aged 45 to 54 make up 27% of the unemployed, while people between 25 and 29 represent 6%.
For younger job seekers, lack of experience remains a critical barrier to employment. Many graduates find themselves ill-prepared for the practical demands of the workforce, leading to prolonged job searches and underemployment.
“Even those with higher education often struggle to find positions that match their qualifications,” Dimcheva noted, underscoring the disconnection between educational institutions and industry requirements.
Educational Gaps and Mismatched Skills
The educational background of the unemployed reveals further challenges. Approximately 45% of those without jobs have only primary or lower education, making it difficult for them to compete in an increasingly specialized job market.
Meanwhile, 41% have completed secondary education, and 14% possess higher education qualifications.
Despite these numbers, a significant portion of educated individuals find themselves working in fields unrelated to their studies, highlighting the lack of alignment between education and the labor market.
Efforts to address this mismatch are underway, with government initiatives focused on retraining programs and vocational education. However, progress has been slow, and many unemployed individuals continue to face barriers to employment.
As Bulgaria grapples with its unemployment crisis, the need for targeted solutions is clear. Policymakers and businesses alike are being called upon to address the growing skills gap, support retraining efforts, and bridge the divide between education and the demands of the modern workforce.