On June 23, 2025, an open methodological seminar titled “Atlas of Future Professions of Akmola Region: Development and Implementation of Educational Programs” was held at the Sh.Ualikhanov Kokshetau University.
The seminar was organized within the framework of the important national project "Mamandygym – Bolashagym", initiated by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The project is aimed at forecasting what kinds of specialists will be in demand in the future — at both national and regional levels, across different sectors — and at preparing the education system today to meet those future needs.
Work on this project in the Akmola region began in 2023. A foresight school was held, during which 18 faculty members from Sh.Ualikhanov Kokshetau University were trained in the Rapid Foresight methodology. Based on the results of foresight sessions, a Regional Atlas of Future Professions was developed, which has since served as a key reference point for updating the content of vocational education in the region.
Today’s seminar became a logical continuation of this work, bringing together representatives of the Akmola Regional Department of Education, colleges, employers, and education methodologists on one platform.
To support the organization and delivery of the seminar, leading experts were invited as speakers, including: Olzhas Sakenov, Project Manager; Marina Skiba, Project Expert; Elena Sverdlova, Chief Expert of the Department for Coordination of Sectoral Qualification Systems; Valeriy Gamazov, Deputy Head of the Akmola Regional Department of Education; Idiya Bekbauova, Deputy Director for Educational and Industrial Work of the Multiprofile Innovation College, who shared practical experience on integrating the Regional Atlas into the system of technical and vocational education. She highlighted the initial steps taken to incorporate new professions into curricula and to adapt the learning process to current labor market demands.
In the second half of the day, participants actively engaged in practice-oriented sessions, where they worked on naming new educational programs, defining their goals, and formulating expected learning outcomes — all based on regional characteristics and actual workforce needs.
The "Mamandygym – Bolashagym" project is more than just a trend analysis. It is a collaborative effort by universities, colleges, educators, and employers to shape the future of education and the economy.
