Building the right skills for human capital: education, skills, and productivity in the Kyrgyz Republic

The 2019 skills survey for the adult Kyrgyz population found that most jobs require regular use of reading, writing, numeracy, and information and communications technology (ICT) skills, and higher-skilled groups of people earn higher wages. However, skills levels among the workforce are consistently low in absolute terms and relative to countries that implemented PIAAC surveys. Results are not improving across cohorts, except for PSTRE, and a substantial share of people is overschooled but underskilled. Higher levels of education are associated with higher skills levels, but even among the most educated, a large share has low skills scores. Skill levels of secondary school teachers were also assessed, and nearly all are not well equipped to impart ICT skills to their students. The book concludes with policy recommendations at different levels of education, from early childhood education through life-long learning, to provide upskilling opportunities for those teachers with specific skill deficiencies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2021
Publisher: World Bank Publications

Building the Right Skills for Human Capital is a comprehensive report that summarizes the findings from the 2019 skills survey for the adult Kyrgyz population. The survey aimed to assess the literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving skills of individuals in technology-rich environments (PSTRE) and followed the same questions and approach as the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) surveys conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

The findings of the survey reveal that most jobs in the Kyrgyz Republic require regular use of reading, writing, numeracy, and information and communications technology (ICT) skills. Higher-skilled groups of people earn higher wages, indicating that the labor market rewards higher skills. However, the skills levels among the workforce are consistently low in absolute terms, varying significantly across different socio-demographic groups and relative to countries that implemented PIAAC surveys.

Results show that skills levels are not improving across cohorts, except for PSTRE. This suggests that there is a need for targeted interventions to address skill gaps and improve the quality of education. The report highlights the evidence that a substantial share of people is overschooled but underskilled, indicating a need for more effective education policies to ensure that individuals acquire the right skills for the jobs they occupy.

The lack of quality of education is identified as an important driver for low skills performance. The report finds that higher levels of education are associated with higher skills levels, but even among the most educated, a large share has low skills scores. This helps explain why we find that a significant portion of the workforce can be overeducated but underskilled for the jobs they occupy.

Secondary school teachers were also assessed in the survey, and the results suggest that they outperform the general population in both literacy and numeracy but underperform compared to professionals. Overall, one-third of teachers still have low proficiency in literacy and numeracy. With regards to ICT skills, the results indicate that nearly all secondary school teachers are currently not well equipped to impart ICT skills to their students.

The report concludes with recommendations for policymakers, educators, and employers to address the challenges identified in the survey. It emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to improve the quality of education, enhance the skills of the workforce, and promote lifelong learning. It also calls for increased investment in skills development programs, including vocational training and apprenticeships, to ensure that individuals have the right skills to meet the demands of the labor market.

In conclusion, Building the Right Skills for Human Capital is a valuable resource that provides insights into the skills gaps and challenges facing the Kyrgyz Republic's workforce. The report highlights the importance of investing in education and skills development to ensure that the country's workforce is equipped with the right skills to drive economic growth and social development.

Dimension: 230 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781464816369