According to the latest report from EURES, Italy is currently experiencing labor shortages in 37 different occupations. This challenge is compounded by the country's aging population, a trend seen in several other European Union nations as well. As Italy's workforce ages, there is an increasing need to rely on foreign workers to fill these gaps.
The report highlights several roles that are particularly difficult to staff, including:
- Manufacturing laborers not elsewhere classified
- Welders and flame cutters
- Bakers, pastry cooks, and confectionery makers
- Food service counter attendants
- Healthcare assistants
- Medical imaging and therapeutic equipment technicians
- Personal services workers not elsewhere classified
- Computer network and system technicians
- Physicians and engineering science technicians not elsewhere classified
- Software and applications developers and analysts not elsewhere classified
Looking ahead to 2023-2027, certain professions are expected to be especially challenging to fill. These include nurses, physiotherapists, and other qualified professionals in the health and social services sectors. As a result, Italy is likely to become increasingly dependent on skilled foreign workers to meet these demands.