Keeping Ukraine Moving: Tackling transport labor shortages for recovery

Ukraine’s transport sector is the backbone of the country’s economy— and of its recovery. Since Russia’s invasion, road freight and passenger transport have taken on an even greater role, as air and maritime routes remain constrained. Yet, this critical sector is facing a serious and growing labor shortage. Many mid and high-skilled transport roles such as drivers, mechanics, and logistics specialists are in short supply, threatening connectivity, trade, and reconstruction at a moment when Ukraine needs them most. 

The scale of the challenge is striking. According to the World Bank Group’s (WBG) new report On the Road to Recovery: Addressing Ukraine’s Transport Labor Shortages, an analysis of more than 240,000 job advertisements shows persistently high vacancies for transport jobs, especially truck and bus drivers and vehicle repair specialists. Advertised wages for these roles have risen by 20–33 percent—another indication that demand outstrips supply. Employers report that recruitment pipelines cannot keep pace, and shortages are already affecting both domestic mobility and international transport flows. Looking ahead, pressures will intensify: employment in road and urban transport could grow by at least 30 percent by 2035, requiring more than 100,000 new workers, including around 50,000 drivers, over the next decade.

Transport matters far beyond the sector itself.  A modern, efficient transport system is essential for rebuilding infrastructure, supporting exports, integrating regional markets, and aligning Ukraine’s economy with European Union standards. Reconstruction is more than rebuilding roads and replacing vehicles; it is also about rebuilding the skills that keep the system moving. Addressing labor shortages is therefore a shared priority for transport, jobs, and skills policies alike.

The WBG report - also available in Ukrainian - identifies several priority areas for action to tackle these challenges in a coordinated way - bringing together transport policy, jobs, and skills agendas. 

Attracting and retaining a more diverse workforce

Ukraine cannot solve transport labor shortages by drawing from the same, shrinking traditional pool of predominantly male aging workforce. Women, youth and veterans represent the most interesting sources of untapped potential. Today, women remain significantly underrepresented in driving and maintenance roles, often due to outdated gender norms, financial barriers to training, and workplace conditions that are not inclusive. Veterans - more than 1.5 million officially registered and far more unofficially estimated - often possess relevant logistics and transport experience but face obstacles in translating military skills into civilian qualifications. Among youth, the transport sector is widely perceived as unattractive due to poor working conditions, limited career progression, and negative public perceptions of transport jobs.

Attracting these groups requires lowering unnecessary entry barriers, modernizing the image of transport careers, and improving working conditions. Clear career pathways, mentoring for new entrants, and safer, more dignified workplaces can make transport jobs more appealing and help retain workers over the long term.

Aligning education and training with skills needs

Skills gaps compound labor shortages. Employers consistently report that new entrants lack practical experience and up-to-date skills, particularly digital competencies needed for modern logistics, fleet management, and increasingly advanced vehicles. While Ukraine has taken important steps, such as adopting a new Law on Vocational Education, training systems still struggle with outdated equipment, limited work-based learning, and weak links to industry.

Reform must focus on relevance and flexibility: modern curricula, stronger employer involvement, expanded apprenticeships, and opportunities for lifelong learning and reskilling. This is especially important as the sector prepares for EU regulatory alignment and new technologies such as electrification and intelligent transport systems.

^{Kryvyy Rih tram depot with men. (Photo: © Maksym Dorosh)}

Strengthening partnerships and governance

Finally, lasting solutions require coordination. Transport ministries, education authorities, employers, and training institutions often operate in silos. The report calls for stronger partnerships, potentially through a national transport workforce and skills hub or sector skills council, to align policies, investments, and data. 

Looking ahead

Ukraine’s reconstruction offers a unique window of opportunity. By acting now—broading the workforce, modernizing skills development, and strengthening partnerships—the transport sector can become a powerful engine of recovery. More than that, it can help set Ukraine on a sustainable path toward EU membership, with a transport system that is not only rebuilt, but future-ready.

With thanks to Nato Kurshitashvili for her work in preparing this blog.