Bitget, the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), has published its Web3 Next-Gen Talent Intelligence Report, revealing that hiring barriers remain one of the industry's most significant workforce challenges.
Produced under Bitget's Blockchain4Youth (B4Y) initiative, the report surveyed aspiring and early-career professionals across multiple regions and found that while interest in Web3 careers continues to grow, many candidates struggle to translate education into employment.
The findings suggest that the industry's primary workforce issue is not a lack of talent, but limited access to practical opportunities that help newcomers gain experience and enter the sector.
According to the report, more than 54% of respondents identified prior experience requirements for junior-level positions as the biggest barrier to entering the Web3 industry.
Meanwhile, 52% said their education provided strong theoretical foundations but failed to equip them with the practical skills employers expect from job candidates.
The research indicates that blockchain education has expanded rapidly worldwide, but hiring pathways have not developed at the same pace, creating a disconnect between learning and employment opportunities.
As a result, many qualified candidates find themselves trapped in a cycle where experience is required to secure a role, yet opportunities to gain that experience remain limited.
Emerging markets are driving Web3 talent growth
The report highlights the growing role of emerging markets in the future Web3 workforce.
Nigeria, Indonesia, and China collectively accounted for nearly half of all survey respondents, demonstrating that blockchain education and career interest are increasingly expanding beyond traditional technology centers.
Nearly 46% of participants were between 23 and 30 years old, while more than 58% held Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degrees.
These figures suggest that Web3 continues attracting a highly educated and globally distributed talent pool.
AI and blockchain careers lead interest
Career interests are also shifting alongside broader technology trends.
The convergence of artificial intelligence and blockchain emerged as the most attractive career area, with 61% of respondents identifying it as their preferred path.
Despite strong enthusiasm for the industry, many participants pointed to a lack of real-world exposure as a key challenge. Nearly 62% said mentorship from experienced professionals would be the most valuable support mechanism for accelerating their careers.
“The industry has succeeded in attracting talent globally. The challenge now is converting talent into employment. The findings show there is a large pool of motivated and educated candidates, but many are struggling to take the first step into the industry. Closing this gap will be critical for the next phase of industry growth,” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget.
Blockchain4Youth expands career development efforts
The report follows the continued growth of Blockchain4Youth, Bitget's initiative focused on blockchain education and workforce development.
According to the company, the Blockchain4Youth Learning Hub recently surpassed 10,000 registered learners worldwide. The program combines blockchain fundamentals, decentralized finance education, industry insights, and emerging technology topics into a structured curriculum.
Participants who complete the program receive certificates that can support applications for selected opportunities within Bitget and the Blockchain4Youth Talent Alliance, which aims to connect education with real-world career pathways.
Through initiatives such as Boxed for Opportunity, educational partnerships, mentorship programs, and the Talent Alliance network, Blockchain4Youth continues working to create clearer routes from learning into employment.
The report concludes that solving Web3's workforce challenges will require stronger cooperation between educational institutions, employers, learning platforms, and industry organizations.
Rather than focusing solely on attracting new talent, the industry's next stage of growth may depend on building practical pathways that help aspiring professionals gain experience, develop job-ready skills, and secure their first roles in the sector.
U.Today Editorial Team
Dan Burgin
