Thousands of job invitations for teens in Tomsk
The Tomsk region in Russia is currently experiencing a significant demand for teenage workers, with the majority of job opportunities available in the fields of sales, customer service, and retail. This trend is a reflection of the increasing need for middle-level specialists and workers, mirroring a broader Russian trend of increased admission to technical schools and colleges [1].
Industries offering the most opportunities for teenagers in Tomsk align with popular vocational specialties across Russia. These include information systems and programming, network and system administration, nursing and medical care, car maintenance and repair, construction and operation of buildings and structures, mechanical engineering, and the electrical industry [1].
This high demand for teenage labor is supported by educational shifts that emphasize vocational training, allowing youth to become financially independent earlier through shorter and more affordable educational programs compared to university degrees [1].
A survey of teenagers revealed that 84% chose their first job themselves, and 67% are confident in their ability to quickly find part-time work. Interestingly, 43% of surveyed teenagers are willing to accept lower wage expectations in exchange for gaining experience [1].
Employers in the Tomsk region value personal qualities such as responsibility and teamwork in young job seekers, with basic computer and cash register operation skills also being frequently required [1].
The Tomsk region ranks among the top 5 regions in terms of employer loyalty to young workers, with a percentage of 6.0%, although it is not the highest in the country. The Sakhalin region, the Republic of Sakha, and the Primorsky Krai trail Tomsk with percentages of 4.2%, 4.0%, and 4.0% respectively [1].
It is worth noting that this percentage has decreased from last year, with a drop of 2.3 percentage points, from 6.0% [1]. In the first half of 2025, regional companies in Tomsk sent out 28,000 job invitations to candidates aged 14-18, representing 3.7% of all job offers [1].
In the hospitality sector, 6% of job invitations were for teenagers [1]. Across the country, the share of youth vacancies has decreased from 4.5% to 2.7% [1]. This article provides an insightful look into the labor market trends for teenagers in the Tomsk region, offering a glimpse into the opportunities and challenges they face in the workforce.
[1] Data sourced from various surveys and regional employment statistics.
In the Tomsk region, sectors offering the most opportunities for teenagers include information systems, programming, and various technical fields, which align with the growing emphasis on vocational training for personal growth and learning. Employers value responsible and teamwork skills in young workers, indicating a focus on personal development alongside professional skills.
