For years, Poland has faced a shortage of skilled workers in professions such as teachers, doctors, nurses, engineers, and caregivers for the elderly. Ukrainian workers can help address this shortage, but they must first go through a difficult process of diploma recognition and qualification validation. The Polish Center for International Aid (PCPM) supports Ukrainians in this process. The presence of hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian citizens presents a significant social challenge but also an opportunity for Poland’s economic growth and demographic resilience. Many refugees, as well as earlier economic migrants, start by working below their qualifications due to the need to find immediate employment and bureaucratic hurdles. The Polish labor market struggles with a shortage of workers in certain professions, as indicated by the "Barometr Zawodów" report, which highlights 29 out of 168 deficit professions, including highly qualified roles in healthcare. However, only 3% of all work permits for foreigners in 2023 were for high-skilled professions, likely due to the need for diploma authentication and proficiency in Polish. PCPM assists with this process by helping workers, especially teachers, to recognize their diplomas and gain additional qualifications through supplementary courses. The focus of PCPM's programs is on supporting teachers and professionals from key sectors such as healthcare, engineering, and IT. Differences in education systems between Ukraine and Poland sometimes require additional post-graduate studies or pedagogical courses to meet qualification standards. The PCPM helps Ukrainians through this process, enabling them to work in their trained professions, thus providing a valuable contribution to Poland’s economy. As Poland’s population ages, the shortage of skilled workers will likely worsen, making the integration of Ukrainian professionals even more crucial.
