Tamara Duisenova Reviews the Work of Serpin

The implementation of the "Serpin" program, the employment of its graduates, and the activities of the regional project office "Serpin" at Kozybayev University were the key discussion points during the visit of Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Tamara Duisenova. Over the 10 years of the program’s existence, 1,352 students have graduated in Petropavlovsk, with 442 of them securing employment.

In October, the regional project office "Serpin Qoldau" was established at Kozybayev University, bringing together all relevant government agencies. Its main goal is to provide individual support for each student and graduate. Currently, 169 students are studying at the university under this program. The office will maintain individual profiles for each student, tracking their academic performance, competencies, and personal qualities.

For 2nd- and 3rd-year students, the office organizes profiling sessions, interviews, training programs, and mentoring activities. To support these efforts, the university has signed 302 agreements with major employers in North Kazakhstan. Additionally, cultural integration programs help students from southern regions adapt to life in the North part of our country. Final-year students are placed in dual education programs and receive career support until they secure employment.

Among the 68 students graduating this year with degrees in technical, agricultural, and pedagogical fields, 55% are already employed. For the remaining 31 students, individual employment plans are being developed in collaboration with potential employers.During a meeting with students and graduates of "Serpin," Vice Minister of Science and Higher Education Talgat Yeshenkulov, Mazhilis Deputy and President of the National Chamber of Education and Innovation "Serpin" Murat Abenov, Akim of North Kazakhstan Region Gauyez Nurmukhambetov, representatives of technical and vocational education institutions, and employers, the Deputy Prime Minister highlighted existing challenges in the program that need to be addressed for more effective implementation. One of the key issues is the lack of direct alignment between university training and employer needs.

"Employers are the key stakeholders in the implementation of the 'Serpin' program. However, we still hear that they believe universities are not training the right specialists or that the quality is lacking. At the same time, universities believe they are preparing the workforce that is needed. To bridge this gap, we must implement the program based on the specific needs of employers," emphasized Tamara Duisenova.

Business representatives from Alageum Electric, Nord Panels, and Maximalnyi Razmakh. Corporation expressed their high demand for young professionals and strong interest in hiring "Serpin" graduates. At the meeting, alumni shared their personal experiences, reflecting on their student years, adaptation processes, employment, and current careers. Nurseit Abdrazakov, a graduate from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences who came from Turkestan Region, shared his story:

"In 2016, I enrolled at Kozybayev University under the 'Serpin' program. I graduated in 2020 and was offered a job by the university. Today, I work as a geography teacher at Secondary School No. 25 in Petropavlovsk. Thanks to 'Serpin,' I received support from the university, as well as a special state-provided social assistance for one year. This support has allowed us to start saving for an apartment through a mortgage. In the future, I plan to stay in this city and continue my work," he said.

Additionally, young specialists who have completed the program proposed the creation of the "Alumni Serpin" association, which will provide support to current students and graduates. One of the proposed initiatives is the temporary housing program for graduates, considering that the university currently has vacant dormitory spaces. On the same day, Tamara Duisenova also visited Kozybayev University’s new research laboratories focused on agrotechnology, animal husbandry, and medical sciences.