Training Specialists for Agriculture: North Kazakhstan Brings Together Schools, Universities, and Businesses

A large-scale project to train specialists for the agro-industrial sector is being launched in North Kazakhstan Region. At the instruction of the regional Akim, eight agricultural classes will be established in seven districts of the region. They will serve as the first stage of professional orientation and training for future agricultural specialists.

The key partner in the project is M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University. Together with the regional Department of Education, Department of Agriculture, agricultural enterprises, and research organizations, the University has developed training programs that will allow school students to learn about the modern agricultural sector before entering university.

“Today, agriculture is changing: digital technologies, automation, and artificial intelligence systems are being introduced. This requires a new generation of specialists who have not only basic knowledge but also an understanding of modern production processes. That is why it is important to begin career guidance as early as possible,” said Yerbol Issakayev, Chairman of the Executive Board – Rector of M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University.

The agricultural classes will serve as practice-oriented platforms for students in grades 6–11 who are interested in agriculture and are considering building their future careers in this field.

Students will study the fundamentals of agronomy, animal husbandry, veterinary medicine, and plant protection, learn about modern agricultural technologies, visit enterprises, and gain an understanding of the day-to-day work of specialists in the agricultural sector.

One of the first steps has already been taken in the Magzhan Zhumabayev District. Recently, a memorandum on the establishment of an agricultural class was signed with the participation of the district Akimat, M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University, the North Kazakhstan Region Department of Education, SK Agro 2050 LLP, and the North Kazakhstan Research Institute of Agriculture.

Business participation plays a special role in the project. Agricultural enterprises will provide production sites where school students can receive practical training and become familiar with modern agricultural production.

For example, students enrolled in the “Technology of Livestock Production” educational program have already visited the innovative dairy farm of SK Agro 2050 LLP. There, they had an opportunity to see how modern dairy production is organized, as well as learn about the equipment used and the technological processes involved.

According to Yerbol Issakayev, Chairman of the Executive Board – Rector of Kozybayev University, one of the main objectives of the project is to create a continuous educational pathway: school → agricultural class → practical training at an enterprise → university → industry.

“By the time they graduate from school, young people should understand what profession they want to pursue, what competencies they need, and where they will be able to apply their knowledge. Agricultural classes help them make this choice consciously,” the Rector emphasized.

As part of the project, M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University plans to organize master classes, research and practical sessions, as well as winter and summer schools for agricultural class students with the participation of local and international faculty. School students will also be introduced to educational opportunities at the University.

Additional support opportunities will be available to project participants. In particular, the University plans to hold its first Olympiad for agricultural class students in April. The winners will have an opportunity to receive educational grants from M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University, as well as other forms of support, including discounts on dormitory accommodation for students from rural areas.

Agricultural classes will be established in the Taiynshinsky, Gabit Musrepov, Yesil, Kyzylzhar, Magzhan Zhumabayev, Akkayin, and Mamlyut districts.

For Northern Kazakhstan, where agriculture is one of the key sectors of the economy, this project is of strategic importance. The region has significant land resources and is actively developing modern agricultural production, creating a growing demand for qualified specialists.

The establishment of agricultural classes will not only increase school students’ interest in agricultural professions but also help build a talent pool for a new generation of agriculture — technology-driven, digital, and innovation-oriented.

The agricultural class project is becoming the first comprehensive format in Kazakhstan for the early preparation of school students for careers in the agricultural sector and represents a new step in developing the human resources potential of the agro-industrial sector in the region and the country.