Experts believe that the requirements for skills remain unchanged. These include so-called soft skills, or personal qualities, as well as hard skills—professional skills and knowledge.
“Employers need employees with technical skills (ability to work with basic computer programs, analyze data), as well as 'soft' skills (responsibility, multitasking, organizational abilities, understanding of strategy and operational activities), along with other skills that can be taught. In educational organizations, the presence of communication skills in a candidate is of utmost importance,” — states the study “In-demand Skills in Kazakhstan in the Post-COVID-19 Era.”
Additionally, employees are expected to possess the following skills—responsibility, multitasking, discipline, self-presentation, and product knowledge.
“Companies often require candidates to be at least bilingual (Kazakh, Russian), and sometimes trilingual (+ English). A number of job vacancies require candidates to have knowledge of specific software and skills in operating numerical control equipment. For instance, in agriculture, there is already a demand for operators and combine drivers with knowledge of CNC and English,” experts noted.
The COVID-19 pandemic in Kazakhstan also highlighted the importance of developing skills necessary for accessing various digital tools. According to a survey conducted among enterprises, 42.4% of companies faced a lack of knowledge and skills in digital technologies among their employees.
For the education sector, this issue has become particularly pressing—⅔ of enterprises encountered digital illiteracy among their staff.
“Countries need to invest in digital education and the development of digital and more advanced skills. Countries that previously utilized online learning practices were able to quickly train workers at all levels. Basic computer literacy training can enable low-skilled job seekers to acquire digital skills that are currently required in almost every profession and are essential for job searching,” the study concludes.
Last year, the World Bank released a report titled More Better and Inclusive Jobs in Kazakhstan, focusing on the labor market in Kazakhstan. A significant influx of workforce is expected in the country soon, linked to a substantial increase in birth rates in the 2000s.
If the number of jobs in the country does not increase and higher education does not become more accessible, then by 2029 Kazakhstan may face a situation where the number of people seeking work will be 1 million more than in 2022.