The Czech construction industry is facing a critical labour shortage that threatens to undermine the sector's stability and growth potential. According to the Association of Building Entrepreneurs, the industry could face a shortfall of approximately 74,000 qualified professionals by 2030, with 91% of companies already describing the current labour market situation as very dire. Data from the JenPráce.cz job portal confirms this alarming trend, which is leading to significant project delays and reduced capacity across the sector.
Traditional crafts and technical roles are proving most difficult to fill, with 85% of companies struggling to recruit bricklayers, carpenters, electricians, and plumbers. The crisis extends to professional positions as well, with site managers and construction planners being particularly scarce. "The seriousness of the problem is also confirmed by specific numbers. The hardest professions to fill are bricklayers, carpenters, electricians and plumbers. A shortage of these workers is felt by 85% of companies. However, significant problems also concern more professional and technical positions. Site managers and construction planners are almost impossible to find for more than half of the companies. Companies often have to compromise on their demands or hire less qualified workers," says Anna Kevorkyan, CEO of the JenPráce.cz job portal.
This workforce deficit stems from multiple factors, including a 27% decline in technical field students since 2001, an ageing workforce with retiring experts, and the industry's struggle with modernisation. "The low attractiveness of the field also plays a crucial role. Young people often perceive construction as a strenuous and unpromising profession. This impression is reinforced by weak digitisation, which is still lagging behind despite efforts. Many experienced designers leave due to complex administration and inflexible tools, which further weakens the sector," explains Kevorkyan.
The consequences are being felt across the industry, with construction timelines extending by an average of three months, sometimes stretching to years for larger projects. This poses particular challenges for investors and developers who rely on timely project completion to maintain profitability, especially as construction costs continue to rise by approximately 8% annually. The situation is especially concerning for commercial real estate developments where delays can result in losses of €50,000-100,000 per 1,000 m² of unfinished space each month.
Industry experts suggest that addressing this crisis requires a coordinated approach involving educational reforms, improved industry-academic partnerships, enhanced working conditions, and accelerated digitisation. Without such interventions, the Czech construction sector risks deepening instability that could reverberate throughout the broader economy, potentially impacting the nation's ambitious €25bn infrastructure development plans scheduled through 2028.
People mentioned:
- Anna Kevorkyan - CEO, JenPráce.cz
Companies mentioned:
- Association of Building Entrepreneurs - Construction industry trade association
- JenPráce.cz - Job portal
Image: Scott Blake, Unsplash
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