Introduction. The importance of vocational education in modern times is steadily increasing. However, there remains a discrepancy between vocational education and labour market needs, as noted by employers. Consequently, there is a growing need to improve workforce qualifications. The example of the European Union demonstrates that, despite efforts to create a unified labour market, significant imbalances in worker qualifications persist across EU countries.
Aim. A study of the imbalance in the qualifications of young professionals and its economic consequences for labour markets in foreign countries.
Methods. An analysis of data from statistical sources and scientific studies that examine approaches to assessing the excess or insufficiency of young specialists’ qualifications.
Results. Various approaches to assessing disparities in the qualifications of young specialists are presented. The economic consequences of labour market imbalances are revealed. The significance of qualification imbalances and vocational education for the economies and labour markets of different countries is highlighted.
Practical significance. The results of the study can be used by specialists in the field of education management, heads of educational organisations, employers, representatives of the expert community in order to improve the effectiveness of personnel training and develop the resource potential of young specialists.