Over 30% of Graduates from higher education and vocational training institutions not working in their field

The second national consultative meeting on “Legal Framework, Quality, and Accessibility of Career Guidance Services” was held recently, bringing together researchers, policymakers from the labour and education sectors, and representatives of non-governmental organizations.

In Mongolia’s labour market, a lack of coordination between employment and education policies has led to a significant mismatch between labour supply and demand, with a particularly noticeable gap in skills and professional qualifications.

According to 2024 data, 53% of employed individuals are working in fields unrelated to their qualifications, earning approximately 10% less than those in jobs aligned with their education.

Only 15.7% of graduates from higher education and vocational training institutions report working in their chosen profession with job satisfaction, while 28.6% are not working in their field at all. This trend is contributing to rising unemployment and further widening the gap between labour supply and demand.

To address this issue, the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Protection established four comprehensive “Job Center” service hubs in Ulaanbaatar in 2024. Plans are underway to open 30 additional centers nationwide within the year. These centers aim to provide accessible employment services and career guidance, helping to bridge the skills gap and improve outcomes in the job market.