Are you currently looking for work? If so, it might be worth checking which sectors are desperate for staff. In several sectors, labor shortages are so severe that you could practically start tomorrow. There is plenty of work to be found, as the Dutch labor market has been tight for years. There is also a wealth of opportunities in hospitality and catering.
Plenty of work to be found
If you want a new job but don't have the right qualifications, retraining is certainly a great option to consider. The shortages in healthcare and technology are unlikely to be resolved in the coming years. Before searching for a new job, you might want to research whether a profession has poor or high prospects. For instance, you might want to reconsider becoming a copywriter, as according to the UWV (Employee Insurance Agency), this is a profession with low prospects. On the other hand, working in healthcare offers excellent career opportunities.
Working in healthcare
The healthcare sector has suffered from an enormous staff shortage for years, and this is expected to continue. The population is ageing, which means more people require care. Consequently, there is an increased need for qualified personnel across all areas of the field. Admittedly, technological innovations such as AI can help solve the healthcare crisis to some extent by increasing efficiency. However, unlike copywriters, you won't be replaced by artificial intelligence. Patients need human assistance, which is why employers are doing everything in their power to attract new staff and retain existing employees. They do this by offering better working conditions and often paying for your studies. It is a sector with very high prospects, though the workload means it isn't for everyone. It does, however, come with a good salary.
Staff shortages in technology
The technology sector is another area facing major shortages, while also offering excellent job prospects. This is the sector tasked with solving major societal challenges. Consider, for example, the energy transition and sustainability efforts, which have led to a growing demand for skilled tradespeople. There is a massive shortage of technical staff. In recent years, the focus has been on higher education for pupils and students, meaning fewer people are progressing into vocational secondary education (mbo). This, combined with an ageing workforce, means the demand for talent is only increasing.
Industry is therefore in urgent need of technically trained personnel for maintenance, product development, and automation. You can start working immediately as a work planner, electrician, or welder if you already have a diploma in one of these fields. It is a high-prospect sector where you can find work for many years to come.
Hospitality
It is a similar story in hospitality and construction. There is a major staff shortage in places like restaurants, cafes, and hotels. Casinos are also actively looking for new employees—for example, to welcome guests and ensure games run smoothly. You could become a host or hostess, but it is also possible to take an internal training course to become a croupier.
Furthermore, international PayPal casinos are often looking for people who aren't camera-shy to work in live casinos. The studios for these casinos are often located abroad (think of islands like Malta or Cyprus), giving you the opportunity to work in a sunny climate. The catering and hospitality sector is desperate for new staff, which is why you can count on attractive employment terms and flexible working hours. It is a highly dynamic sector with good prospects. With high demand expected in the coming years, you won't have to worry about job security.
Construction
Working with your hands is something we do less and less in the Netherlands. Furthermore, the construction sector is not attractive to many people because it has faced several difficult years. However, falling inflation and lower interest rates are leading to an increase in construction projects. There is a major shortage of true professionals, such as carpenters or project managers. The energy transition and sustainability requirements are generating new contracts. Additionally, many new homes will be built in the coming years. The number of jobs in construction continues to grow, particularly in the installation industry. The demand for construction personnel in new-build projects and infrastructure remains high. Specialized craftspeople, in particular, are in great demand, which presents significant opportunities. In the coming years, professions such as carpenters, painters, or plumbers will not be replaced by AI. This likely applies partly to consultants, designers, and draftsmen. Nevertheless, artificial intelligence in the construction industry will primarily remain a tool in the years to come and will not pose a threat to employment.