Varga noted the challenges of digitalisation as an example of the need for skilled workers. He said that around 350,000-400,000 out of 4 million jobs in Hungary had disappeared due to the spread of digitalisation.

The minister underlined the need for vocational training schemes to equip workers with new skills that can help boost their employability.

This will require quicker and more effective vocational training developments on the government’s part as well, Varga said. He said employment in Hungary was at an all-time high, with the unemployment rate having fallen from 12% to 4.7% since 2010.

The minister noted that the government had recently modified the vocational training law and brought vocational training institutions under the supervision of the Economy Ministry. New kinds of vocational schools have been opened which also offer matriculation exams, giving their students a chance to continue into higher education, he said.

Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.

MTI photo: Ujvári Sándor