How Job Opportunities Have Changed Over the Past 20 Years

Over the last two decades, the structure of job opportunities in the Czech Republic has changed dramatically. Back in 2005, there was high demand for manual positions in agriculture or mining. Today, vacancies are growing in sectors driven by information, technology, or care services. Job offers in services and healthcare have also moved to the forefront. The most notable growth has been recorded in industries connected to the digital world.

The fastest-growing interest is in jobs within information and communication technologies. Employment in this sector has increased by a full 84%. A significant shift can also be seen in the area of social care. The reasons are clear: an aging population and increased pressure on the availability of care services. On the other hand, some sectors that once seemed untouchable are now in decline. Agriculture has lost about a third of its workforce. Mining and quarrying have seen an even steeper decline, with job offers dropping by two-thirds. This is due to a transition toward more ecological and sustainable energy sources, leading to the restriction or closure of mines, quarries, and similar operations.

Key Factors Behind the Transformation of Job Opportunities

First of all, it's important to note that the situation in the Czech Republic reflects broader trends seen across the Western world. These global influences are the main drivers of changes in the domestic labor market. Some of these shifts are likely to be permanent—particularly the movement of job opportunities from the primary and secondary sectors into services and care. In addition to the aging population, several other key factors have contributed to this transformation:

The Rise of Education

Greater access to education has changed both people’s expectations and the nature of job offerings. The largest group in the labor market consists of people with secondary education and a final exam certificate. While vocational training programs have long suffered from a lack of interest among students, the number of university graduates is continuously increasing. For several years now, women have outnumbered men in higher education. Many people are also earning their degrees through part-time or distance study while working.

The Czech Republic is gradually moving away from its image as a source of cheap labor. Employers are responding by posting more job offers that require specialized knowledge. At the same time, demand for purely manual labor without qualifications is declining. This shift is clear evidence that the Czech economy increasingly relies on skills developed within the education system.

Career Advancement into Older Age

However, education alone is not enough. Beyond formal knowledge, real-world work experience significantly boosts professional competence—and this naturally comes with age. For this reason, high-level positions in companies are most often held by people between the ages of 40 and 55.

Employers are aware that targeting job offers at this group pays off. Unlike foreign workers, these individuals are well-versed in the Czech environment and many also bring valuable international experience.

Modern Technologies Are Reshaping Today’s Job Market

The rise of new technologies has fundamentally changed not only the nature of jobs themselves but also how companies search for employees. Many professions that are now considered standard did not even exist—or were on the fringes—just ten years ago. Typical examples include data management, cybersecurity, online marketing, or artificial intelligence development. These fields are now filled with specialists, and job opportunities in these areas are becoming a staple on recruitment platforms.