Report: Working Life in Estonia Could Extend to 45 Years
According to Eurostat forecasts, life expectancy in Estonia may rise to 85 years within the next 50 years, while the average working life could reach 45 years. A report from the Development Monitoring Centre highlights the need for a lifelong learning system to allow people to acquire new skills or change careers multiple times.
The Estonian Development Monitoring Centre has released a report on the extension of working life and lifelong learning. It states that according to Eurostat projections, life expectancy in Estonia could increase to 85 years over the next five decades, and the average working life may extend to 45 years. This means people will need to learn new skills or even change professions several times during their careers.
Experts note that education obtained in youth is insufficient for a 40–50 year career, yet many stop learning by middle age. Currently, the average working life expectancy in Estonia is 41.5 years. The report emphasizes that in the future, a system of continuous education will be needed to allow for regular upskilling, retraining, and professional changes.
According to the World Economic Forum, by 2030, 39% of current key skills will become obsolete, and 59 out of 100 workers will require additional training. Although Estonia is above the EU average in adult participation in learning, the most active learners are aged 25–49, predominantly women with higher education. The least participation is among adults with low education, people with disabilities, and older men.
In later career stages, the opportunity to continue learning largely depends on employer support, availability of educational programs, and personal motivation. The OECD considers mid-career the most difficult period, as balancing work and family complicates learning. Approaching retirement age increases the risk of losing connection with the labor market and society.
PIAAC data show that the highest level of professional skills is observed at ages 26–35, after which it gradually declines. After age 55, participation in additional training drops sharply; only about 10% of people aged 55–64 engage in upskilling. The report is part of research on lifelong learning system trends in Estonia until 2050.
