Abstract
In the context of structural and demographic changes, accelerated digitalization, and increasing demands on the quality of the workforce, the analysis of labor resources is of key importance for the sustainable socio-economic development of Kazakhstan. The purpose of this article is to analyze the dynamics and structural transformation of the labor force in Kazakhstan with an emphasis on the development of human capital, changes in age, gender, educational, and sectoral employment structure. The methodological basis of the research consists of methods of comparative, structural, and economic-statistical analysis, as well as trend analysis, used to assess the dynamics of employment, unemployment, and qualitative characteristics of the workforce. The empirical base of the study is based on official data from the Bureau of National Statistics (2024), materials from sample surveys of the labor force, as well as regulatory documents in the field of employment and qualifications. The results of the study showed that in 2019-2024. The employment rate in the country remained at a high level (about 65%), while the unemployment rate remained stable in the range of 4.7-4.9%. The number of employees increased by almost 5%, while the share of workers with higher and technical education increased, which together account for more than 90% of employment. The prospects for further research are related to the development of models for forecasting the demand for competencies, evaluating the effectiveness of the National Qualifications System, and analyzing the impact of digital transformation on employment quality and labor productivity.