Kazakhstan’s Minister of Energy, Almassadam Satkaliyev, presented key initiatives to promote vocational professions as part of the Year of Vocational Jobs at a Government meeting.
According to the Minister, 72 energy projects, including 32 renewable energy projects, are planned to be implemented by 2030. These projects will create over 41,000 jobs, of which more than 35,000 will be temporary, and around 6,000 will be permanent positions.
Special attention is given to the construction of a nuclear power plant (NPP). By 2030, the project will provide employment to approximately 5,000 people, with the number rising to 10,000 at the peak of construction in 2032. Once operational, the NPP will create at least 2,000 permanent jobs.
Additionally, during 2025–2029, approximately 16,000 new employees will be needed at existing enterprises in the fuel and energy sector.
To train qualified specialists, the Ministry of Energy, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, has launched training programs in 61 universities and more than 200 colleges. A total of around 19,000 students are studying in seven specialties, including electrical and thermal energy and renewable energy.
As part of the preparations for the NPP construction, specialized programs will be introduced in local colleges for professions such as:
- dosimetrist,
- steam turbine equipment repair technician,
- nuclear power plant mechanical equipment service specialist,
- IT specialist for the nuclear industry.
Practical training for students will take place at the National Nuclear Center and the Institute of Nuclear Physics.
According to the Minister, four new professional standards will be developed in the energy sector by 2025, and 29 existing standards, including those for the nuclear industry, will be updated.
Considering the growing energy demand and construction of new facilities, the need for energy professionals is expected to reach 20,000 by 2030.
