Large companies in Kazakhstan train their personnel in colleges

Large companies in Kazakhstan now train their personnel in vocational and technical colleges, Tengrinews.kz reports with a reference to the Minister of Education and Science Bakhytzhan Zhumagulov. “Starting this year we have introduced a completely new model of vocational and technical education management. Before, employers were slightly standing aside, and companies in the industry were standing aside too, today we combine the efforts of both the education system, industries and employers. Now the employers are interested in educating exactly the kind of personnel they need,” Zhumagulov told the media at the 3rd International Forum “Vocational education and business: Partners’ dialogue” Among those who signed contracts on personnel’s training in vocational and technical colleges are companies like KazMunaiGaz (oil and gas), Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (rail road), Kazakhtelecom (telecommunications) , Kazengineering (engineering and construction), Kazakhaltyn (gold production), Asia Auto (car manufacturer), ENRC (mining and processing), and Kazenergy. The Ministry of Education and Science reports that these companies have already invested 200 million tenge ($1.35 million) into facilities and equipment at vocational training educational institutions. In addition, 4000 students have their fees paid by the companies and 3000 receive monthly maintenance allowances. The Minister states that the budget allocation on vocational and technical education today is insufficient. Kazakhstan spends only 1340 dollars on training of one vocational student, whereas the U.S. spends over 10 thousand dollars per a person.