Astana Sums Up Results of the Year of Working Professions
Astana has wrapped up its Year of Blue-Collar Professions with a major event attended by nearly 1,300 people. The initiative aimed to boost the appeal of vocational training and skilled trades across the city. Over the past year, local colleges expanded programs, introduced new specialisations, and strengthened ties with employers to meet labour market needs.
The city’s 32 colleges now offer training tailored to key economic sectors, working closely with businesses to shape their courses. This year alone, 10,000 state-funded grants were awarded to support vocational education. New specialisations were also launched, including Landscape Design, Hydraulic Engineering, and roles like 'Kylysh Master' and assistant educators for inclusive education.
To encourage younger students, 100 specialised classes opened in schools, and over 12,000 pupils took part in tours of local enterprises. Early career guidance became a priority, helping students explore vocational paths. Meanwhile, more than 5,000 young people joined youth labour brigades, gaining hands-on experience. The use of digital tools grew as well, with around 28,000 students learning to navigate the 'Electronic Labor Exchange' platform. By the end of the year, one in five students saw vocational training as a route to stability and long-term career growth. Four state colleges in Astana also secured international accreditation through a Swiss firm. This allows graduates to continue their studies abroad or seek jobs with multinational companies. Throughout the year, over 100 events were organised to promote the value of skilled work and technical education.
The Year of Blue-Collar Professions highlighted Astana’s push to modernise vocational training and align it with industry demands. With expanded programs, international accreditation, and stronger career guidance, the city aims to create more opportunities for skilled workers. The results suggest growing interest among students in pursuing technical and vocational education.
