The specialists needed by the Vitebsk region's economy and measures to retain them in their localities were discussed at a meeting attended by the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Alexander Subbotin.
The meeting, held at the Vitebsk State Technical College, focused on improving the system of training mid-level and higher-level specialists, as well as skilled workers for organisations in the real sector of the economy. Participants discussed the capabilities of educational institutions in the current stage and the mechanisms for their interaction with industrial enterprises. The discussion also covered the professions most in demand by the economy of our northern region and the challenges hindering the development of human resources.
Alexander Subbotin emphasised that the phrase "Personnel decide everything" is more relevant than ever. Three main issues concerning personnel training can be identified. Firstly, it is necessary to understand how to attract applicants to specialities vital for the economy and how to enhance the prestige of these professions. For instance, it can be challenging to find a skilled finisher, bricklayer, or car mechanic. Secondly, the quality of training. It does not always meet current requirements and employers' demands. And thirdly, retention in their assigned localities.
— We decided to invite those who train specialists, those for whom specialists are trained, and those who regulate this issue, in order to make a balanced and comprehensive decision, — noted the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee. — I believe interaction exists, but it is insufficient. If there is no personnel retention, it means we misunderstand something in this process, or we are not doing enough. We will examine where we need to improve and where to enhance our work.
— It is very important for us to exchange views with employers, synchronise our efforts, and identify key training areas, — commented the First Deputy Minister of Education of Belarus, Alexander Bakhanovich. — We can see from the college where we are present that the education system of the Vitebsk region is developing very dynamically, with good examples. Here, students receive both secondary vocational and vocational-technical education. Skilled trades are crucial; they are the driving force of our economy.
Aleksandr Bakhаnovich emphasized the importance of career guidance for schoolchildren. In his opinion, targeted training fairs and excursions to industrial enterprises undoubtedly help young people choose their future path, but at the same time, engaging in career guidance in the ninth or eleventh grade can be too late.
— We need to start this earlier and involve employers to ensure their direct participation in the process, — noted Aleksandr Bakhаnovich.
Dmitry Khoma, Head of the Main Department for Education of the Regional Executive Committee, explained the specifics of specialist training in the Vitebsk region and outlined the tasks that need to be addressed in the near future to improve the current situation. Veronika Zaboluyeva, Chairperson of the Economics Committee of the Regional Executive Committee, spoke about which professions are currently in short supply in our region.
— According to the data provided by district and city executive committees, the demand for specialists with higher education for 2022-2026 amounts to over 800 people. Among them, the largest number of personnel is required in specialties such as power engineer, electronics engineer, process engineer, mechanical engineer, design engineer, and programmer, — she explained. — The demand for specialists with secondary and vocational-technical education for 2022-2026 is over 4,000. The most in-demand professions include heat power technician, mechanical technician, process plant operator, gas and electric welder, CNC machine operator, milling machine operator, grinding machine operator, seamstress, shoe assembler, and others.
Sergey Murza, Deputy Director of OJSC "Stankozavod "Krasny Borets," and Yury Peterson, General Director of State Enterprise "Vitebsk DSK," discussed in their speeches why personnel issues arise, how they are resolved locally, and where legislative support would be desirable.
Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by
