Teachers, doctors and builders: what professionals does Kyrgyzstan need right now?

Education, healthcare and construction are currently experiencing the greatest staff shortages in Kyrgyzstan. This is stated in a study of the youth labour market presented by the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic with the support of the World Bank as part of the ‘Strengthening Social Assistance and Labour Market Programmes’ project.

In the education sector, there is a demand for teachers, nursery school staff, and teachers of the exact sciences — mathematics, physics, chemistry and astronomy. In healthcare, there remains a shortage of doctors, including dentists and gynaecologists, particularly in the regions. In the construction sector, there is growing demand for specialists proficient in modern standards and environmentally friendly and energy-efficient technologies.

There is also high demand for specialists with basic vocational education — they account for 43.3% of the total labour market demand. Among the most in-demand professions are seamstresses, cooks, waiters, electric and gas welders, and drivers.

The demand for specialists with secondary vocational education stands at 30.1%. The most sought-after roles are software engineers, accountants, process engineers and electricians.

A distinct trend in recent years has been the emergence of new professions that are not yet fully reflected in the vocational education system. These include SMM specialists, content creators, targeting specialists, baristas, barbers and others.

Many of these professions can be learnt quickly, allowing people to enter the labour market. This is precisely the focus of the ‘Youth Internship’ programme, implemented by the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Migration. It offers Kyrgyz citizens aged 16 to 35 the opportunity to undertake short-term training free of charge and gain their first work experience in a company.

The programme is running in 30 pilot cities and districts across the country.

Employers wishing to take on trainees can submit an application.

Young people who wish to undertake an internship and gain their first work experience can register here.