The shortage of skilled craftsmen in Serbia is now becoming a pressing issue as older workers retire and there are fewer new apprentices to take their place. The trend of young people showing little interest in vocational schools is catching up with the labor market, with many skilled workers seeking opportunities abroad. This has led to a significant shortage of craftsmen, estimated to be around 30,000 by the Construction Chamber of Serbia. As the supply of craftsmen dwindles, demand for their services is rising, causing prices to increase, with waiting times for services growing longer.
Radovan Ilić, a construction site manager, explains that finding craftsmen of any kind has become difficult and costly. “The shortage is palpable, and prices have risen. There are jobs available for all kinds of craftsmen, from ceramicists to masons, carpenters, rebar workers, and painters,” Ilić says.
The most in-demand craftsmen are those with specialized skills, like tinsmiths, who were the highest-paid last year due to their rarity. Citizens of Čačak express that it’s not easy to find skilled workers, and those who can be found are often difficult to trust. “When discussing work, everything must be agreed upon in advance, and you should never advance any money. If you don’t agree beforehand, expect to be exploited, as good craftsmen are rare in Serbia,” says one local resident.
The question of the most profitable trade has various answers, but it seems that hairdressers, plumbers, vulcanizers, welders, and car mechanics are among the highest earners, with their income depending largely on the volume of work they take on. The more they work, the more they earn.
Vera Vasić, a hair salon owner in Čačak, shares that work is never in short supply in her field. “There is always work for hairdressers, but fewer workers are willing to join the profession. The earnings are good for those of us who stay in the field,” Vasić claims.
According to Ana Dojčilović from the National Employment Service in Čačak, demand for skilled workers is high, especially in the metal processing sector, which is dominant in the area. She mentions a need for locksmiths, welders, electricians, machine operators, and drivers.
As the shortage of skilled workers continues, the old saying “every trade is golden” rings true, with some craftsmen now earning salaries that rival those of directors.
