Translation of publicist’s post (RUS).

Experts in economic geography agree that qualified cadres are the cornerstone of effective government, but are there enough of them out there? In this post, we will talk about the areas of Kazakhstan’s labor market that are currently short on specialists.

Metallurgy and Mechanical Engineering. The government provides money to support research and development in this area; however, due to difficult labor conditions and low wage indicators, there is a deficit of specialized labor. For example, metallurgists earn an average 65,000 tenge (plus benefits); electricians make ~80,000 and welders ~35,000. Nonetheless, the sphere remains a priority, geared towards supporting all branches of industry.

Light Industry. One of the country’s main economic goals is to make its consumer products competitive. There is a dearth of process engineers, particularly in the food products area (average salary: ~70,000 tenge) and in textiles (35,000 at full employment).

Energy. “This sphere lacks enthusiasts ready for intense mental and physical labor, as well as tremendous responsibility,” says the chief engineer of the Almaty International Airport, Gazilzhan Ahmetzhanov. Monthly wages depend primarily on the level and type of work. Salaries start at 35,000. Experienced specialists make between 45,000 and 80,000.

Education. There is a sharp cadre deficit in non-technical schools, too. “Even with teaching degrees, young people often look for alternatives to working in schools,” explains Olga Kozlenko, a Russian language and literature teacher. Unsurprising if you consider the pay: salaries start at 15,000-20,000 tenge, depending on the number of hours worked.

Medicine. The healthcare sector is in great need of therapists (salary: ~50,000 tenge) and pediatricians (~45,000 tenge).

Construction. Given the population’s urban tendencies, the government needs highly qualified specialists in the construction sphere. Wages are set by contractors. Superintendents make about 60,000 tenge, while riggers make about 65,000.

According to the list of government contracts, the country’s road to scientific and technical progress also requires biotechnologists; specialists in radio engineering, electronics and telecommunications; qualified cadres in agriculture management, transport and communications; engineers; IT specialists and many others.

To prepare professionals, the country’s institutions of higher learning are issued grants. Based on the available data, one can prognosticate what areas will be better funded this year.

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