As part of a working visit to the East Kazakhstan region, a delegation from the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan (FTURK), headed by Chairman Satybaldy Dauletalin, reviewed the progress of the Year of Skilled Professions by visiting the Ust-Kamenogorsk Multidisciplinary Technological College.
The college director, Kazhumkan Ospangaliyev, presented the educational infrastructure and provided detailed information about the programs offered.
“Ust-Kamenogorsk Multidisciplinary Technological College trains students in 13 specialties including: automation and process control, welding, maintenance and operation of automotive and electromechanical equipment, non-ferrous metallurgy, electrical equipment, turning, installation and operation of engineering systems in public utilities, metalwork, and construction and maintenance of buildings and structures. Seven of these are working-class professions. Under the dual education system, 483 students are enrolled. The total student body is around 800,” said the director.
Following the current trends, a Competence Center was established at the college, equipped with modern tools and workshop classrooms. Since 2016, the college has been participating in the WorldSkills movement, which promotes skilled professions. Currently, the college team competes in the WorldSkills Shygys regional championship in 10 skill categories.
“In the 2023 WorldSkills Shygys regional championship, our team took 2nd place, and in 2024 we won 1st place overall. The college has earned 57 prize places in regional and national championships. In 2020, we passed institutional accreditation, and in 2023 we passed state certification,” added the director.After inspecting the training facilities, the FTURK delegation met with the college’s faculty and students. Deputy Akim of East Kazakhstan Region, Yerbol Nurgaliyev, who accompanied the delegation, noted the high employment rate of the college’s graduates—100% in welding and 86% overall.
“The focus is on training for skilled professions. Each year, the college graduates over 300 young specialists who are in high demand in our region’s labor market,” said Yerbol Nurgaliyev. Addressing the college staff and students, FTURK Chairman Satybaldy Dauletalin emphasized the national economic importance of expanding the pool of highly qualified specialists. “According to the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, by 2030 Kazakhstan will require 1.6 million workers, including 403,000 skilled tradespeople. Already this year, the demand is 63,800, and the number will grow by 2–3 thousand annually. The President has declared 2025 the Year of Skilled Professions. We are grateful for this crucial decision that has energized all levels of government. A national action plan is already approved, and the roadmap for transforming technical and vocational education for 2025–2027 has been adopted by the relevant ministry,” noted Dauletalin.
According to the Bureau of National Statistics, in the 2024/2025 academic year, college enrollment reached 557,000 students—an increase of 17.2% compared to 2019. Nearly half of these students study in high-demand fields such as engineering and healthcare.
Regional governments have developed plans to improve the prestige of skilled professions, enhance the quality of vocational training, and expand cooperation with employers. Ust-Kamenogorsk Technological College, founded in 1978, has long been linked to industry and remains a key training center for the metallurgical sector.
Dauletalin emphasized the importance of restoring the prestige of skilled professions during the Year of Skilled Professions.“Nationally, only 40% of college graduates find employment in their field. The main reason young workers are not entering industrial jobs is the declining prestige of skilled trades. Trade unions have identified three key conditions to increase the appeal of these professions: first, fair wages; second, a supportive workplace environment. It’s no secret that many industries have an aging workforce, and young people are reluctant to work in such environments because they don’t feel a sense of belonging. Leadership should focus on generational renewal and team cohesion. People want to work with peers who share their values and interests—it makes communication and teamwork easier. The third factor is workplace conditions. Since we spend so much time at work, the environment must be safe, comfortable, and welcoming. I would also like to note that the term ‘worker’ is gradually being replaced. Today, it’s more appropriate to speak of ‘highly skilled specialists,’” said the FTURK Chairman.
Notably, Ust-Kamenogorsk Technological College employs 124 staff members—including teachers and instructors—engaged in the training of highly qualified specialists. Two trade union organizations operate at the college, both affiliated with FTURK. The FTURK Chairman thanked the trade union leaders for their contributions to advancing social partnership, awarding them with the Federation’s Certificate of Honor.
Media Center of the Federation of Trade Unions of Kazakhstan