Romania’s construction market is facing a chronic shortage of skilled labor, estimated at over 60,000 workers, according to ARACO and INS data. This imbalance affects both the residential sector and public infrastructure, leading to delays and increased costs.

The main factors are external migration, the aging of the active population, and the lack of vocational training aligned with market needs. At the same time, the number of students in specialized vocational schools has dropped by more than 40% over the past decade.

Short-term solutions include bringing in foreign workers (from Asia, the Republic of Moldova), but in the long term, sustainable measures are needed: reforming the vocational training system, partnerships between companies and educational institutions, digitalizing repetitive processes, and tax incentives for employers.

The government program “Building Together,” announced for 2026, includes a component of professional retraining and on-site practice in model construction sites. However, its success depends on the involvement of local authorities and the business community.

Until these measures produce results, the industry remains vulnerable, and strategic projects risk being blocked due to the lack of qualified personnel.

(Photo: Freepik)