Social Work
The main objectives of the OSKA study on the need for labour and skills in the sector of social work were
- to analyse and forecast how the employment in key professions of the sector and the need for labour and skills will change in the next ten years,
- whether the current training provision in both degree studies and refresher training meets the needs for labour and skills in this sector,
- and what other possible sources could be used to cover the need for labour.
On the basis of the results of the study, possible developments and solutions were offered to participants in the training and labour markets to better meet the changing needs.
A total of eight key professions were identified in the study:
- managers in the field of social work;
- social workers and counsellors;
- child protection officials and family workers;
- substitute home and family house educators;
- childminders;
- client workers for people with mental health problems;
- care workers;
- and support persons.
In addition to employment in key professions, the labour needs for support professionals in the field of social work were analysed. These include, for example, speech therapists, occupational therapists and psychologists.
If, in 2020, approximately 16,100 people were employed in key professions full time, then during the forecast period, by 2030, this number will grow by 3,000. The highest demand is for care workers, followed by client workers for people with mental health problems, social workers and counsellors. The number of childminders and substitute home and family house educators will not change during the forecast period.
This is the second OSKA study on the need for labour and skills in the sector of social work. The first study was completed in 2016.
Short overview of main findings in OSKA social work sector
