The launch of new production facilities, technological upgrading of enterprises, and growth in construction volumes generate new demand for qualified blue-collar personnel. The total requirement for specialists across sectors supervised by the Ministry of Industry and Construction stands at 36.7 thousand people. Minister of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yersaiyn Nagaspaev announced this at the Government session.

The Minister noted that the primary demand falls on construction—16.2 thousand people, and manufacturing—14.4 thousand people. At the same time, technological shifts are transforming the demand structure in the labor market. Digitalisation, automation, and robotics create a need for new competencies and professions.

The Atlas of New Professions for the sectors supervised by the Ministry has already identified 75 new professions. Among them, 47 account for the mining and metallurgical complex, 11 for mechanical engineering, and 17 for construction. Another 41 professions are undergoing transformation driven by technological change. The highest demand for personnel and a significant number of vacancies remain in construction, mechanical engineering, and the mining and metallurgical complex.

It was noted that the Ministry has developed an Industry Plan for the Development of the Qualifications System for 2027–2029. Its main task is to connect economic needs, employer requirements, workforce training, and qualification confirmation into a unified system. Special attention is paid to occupational standards. Last year, 34 standards were developed. This year provides for the development and updating of an additional 158 occupational standards covering 922 professions. Employers and industry associations directly participate in their development.

Thus, a single chain is formed: employer requirements, occupational standard, educational program, and trained specialist. According to the Ministry, 200 investment projects worth 1.7 trillion tenge are being implemented in manufacturing this year, creating 17.3 thousand jobs. To date, 84 projects have already been commissioned, creating 5.8 thousand jobs.

Within the framework of new projects, demand is growing for specialists in automation, digital design, robotics, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Therefore, as part of the Industry Plan, the issue of specialist training is worked out at the planning stage of an investment project. Dual education serves as one of the key tools. Today, 18.9 thousand students participate in dual education across industrial fields, with 816 enterprises providing practical training. Mechanical engineering accounts for the largest coverage—9.3 thousand students, light industry—5.3 thousand, and metallurgy—1.3 thousand students.

Separate attention is also paid to early career guidance and increasing the appeal of blue-collar and engineering professions. This year, the Ministry held a series of events aimed at popularizing geology and inspiring youth interest in industry professions. In particular, Astana hosted the VIII International Field Olympiad of Young Geologists, bringing together schoolchildren from Kazakhstan and foreign countries. The III Kazakhstan Geological Universiade "Satbayev" was held in Ust-Kamenogorsk. Furthermore, this year Kazakhstan's young geologists participated in the XIX International Earth Science Olympiad in Turin.

"Such events make it possible to simultaneously popularize professions, identify talented youth, and form a talent pool for the industry. The Ministry will continue work to supply supervised sectors with in-demand and qualified personnel, expanding on the initiatives of the Year of Blue-Collar Professions and strengthening cooperation with employers and educational organizations," Yersaiyn Nagaspayev concluded.

#Government session #Ministry of Industry and Construction

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