Shortage Occupations in the Netherlands: Who Is Most Wanted Right Now?

If you have a good trade, your position in the Netherlands is much stronger than you might think. Dutch and European data show the same thing: there are not enough people for technical and healthcare jobs, and this has lasted a long time. Let's look at which trades these are, why they are wanted, and how you can make a good start.

What do the numbers say?

The Dutch employment agency, the UWV, regularly measures how "tight" the labour market is, meaning how hard it is to find people for a certain job. In the first quarter of 2026 the tightness eased compared to the 2022 peak, but the market is still tighter than it used to be. Of 93 occupation groups, 87 are tight or very tight.

According to the UWV, the biggest shortages are in technical and nursing and care jobs: electricians, mechanics, plumbers, specialist nurses, physiotherapists and carers. Construction and industrial helper jobs are somewhere in the middle.

At European level the picture is similar. According to the report of the European Labour Authority (ELA) published in June 2026, shortages were reported somewhere for 421 of the 436 occupations studied, which is about 97%. The Netherlands reported the second-highest number of shortage occupations (195), and only 8 occupations with too many applicants.

Unemployment in the Netherlands was 4.0% in September 2026 (data from CBS, the Dutch statistics office). It went up a little in recent months, but in the wanted trades it is still hard to find people.

The six most wanted trades

The ELA report also shows in how many European countries a job is a shortage occupation (out of the 28 countries studied). The table shows the manual trades; we left out specialist doctors (22 countries):

Trade	In how many countries is there a shortage?
Welders, flame cutters	22
Building electricians	21
Plumbers and pipe fitters	20
Nurses	20
Heavy truck drivers	19

Mechanics are not in this list, but the Dutch UWV names them among the biggest shortages. Let's look at each one briefly.

Welder

Industry, shipbuilding, machine building and construction are all looking for welders all the time. Job ads usually say which process you will use (for example MIG/MAG or TIG), and on which material. If you have a valid welding certificate, put it at the top of your CV.

Electrician

Demand is high because of building installations, industrial maintenance and the energy transition. Here it is important that you can describe exactly what work you have done (homes, industrial halls, switch cabinets, maintenance).

Plumber, heating installer

In Dutch job ads you often find this under the name "installateur". Besides water pipes, it also includes heating, heat pumps and ventilation. If you have experience in any of these, write it down separately.

Truck driver

International and domestic transport are both always looking for drivers. Job ads often ask for the right category of driving licence, the qualification required for professional drivers, and a tachograph card. Always ask the agency exactly what you need for that job.

Nurse, carer

The shortage in healthcare is very big, but the entry barrier is the highest here. For nursing work you usually need to have your diploma recognised, and Dutch is usually required too, because you need to talk with patients and colleagues. This is a longer process, so find out about it well in advance.

Mechanic

Factories, machine builders and maintenance teams are looking for people who assemble, repair and maintain machines. Besides mechanical skills, it is a plus if you can read technical drawings.

What do they usually ask for?

The exact requirements differ by job ad, but a few things come up almost everywhere:

• Experience you can prove. Job ads often say how many years of experience they expect. If you have less, it is still worth applying, just be honest.
• Certificates and papers. Trade certificate, qualifications, driving licence. Have them scanned so you can send them quickly.
• Safety certificate. For Dutch construction and industrial jobs they often ask for the VCA safety exam. If you do not have it, ask if the agency can help you get it.
• Language. For many skilled jobs basic English can be enough, but in healthcare you almost always need Dutch.
• Reliability. Being on time, doing the job properly, and really being there on the agreed day.

How to get started

1. Collect your papers. Certificates, driving licence, qualifications, references from earlier jobs.
2. Write a short, factual CV. Trade, machines, processes, years. Dutch agencies like this.
3. See what they offer. Pay, housing, travel, working hours. On Eyesonworks.eu you can filter by trade, housing and net weekly pay, and you always reach the agency's original job ad.
4. Ask about the details. How much is the gross hourly wage, how much is left net, what housing comes with it, and how much is deducted for it.
5. Check the agency. It should have a certificate and give you a written contract.

Why is this good for you?

If you have a trade that is in demand, you can ask for better conditions: a higher hourly wage, better housing, a longer contract. You do not have to accept the first offer. It is worth comparing several job ads and seeing where your skills are valued more.

Of course, a shortage does not mean they will hire anyone on any terms. Papers and experience still count here. But for people who have them, the Dutch market offers many chances.

In short

• According to the UWV, the Dutch labour market is tight in 87 of 93 occupation groups, with the biggest shortages in technical and nursing jobs.
• In Europe, welders, electricians, plumbers, nurses and truck drivers are wanted in the most countries.
• Prepare your certificates, qualifications and a short, factual CV.
• In healthcare you almost always need Dutch and recognition of your diploma.
• With a trade that is in demand, feel free to compare several offers and ask about the conditions.