The Ministry of Transport has highlighted a growing shortage of engineering and technical staff

There is a growing demand for qualified engineering and technical specialists in Kyrgyzstan’s transport sector. The Ministry of Transport and Communications intends to strengthen its cooperation with universities in order to train staff in line with the sector’s needs.

The issue of staffing was discussed on 4 September at a meeting between the Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications, Kubanychbek Turganbaev, and the heads and representatives of higher education institutions.

According to the ministry, demand for specialists is increasing against a backdrop of the development of road and transport infrastructure, the introduction of modern technologies and stricter safety requirements.

The sector is particularly in need of specialists in the fields of road and rail transport, road maintenance, and the construction and operation of transport infrastructure. There is also a demand for personnel in transport organisation and traffic management, road safety, the operation and repair of transport vehicles, automation, communications and information technology.

The Ministry of Transport and representatives from universities discussed the possibility of adapting educational programmes to the sector’s needs. The discussion also covered improving students’ work placements, involving practising professionals in the teaching process, and facilitating graduate employment.

Furthermore, it was proposed to consider targeted training programmes specifically for the Ministry of Transport and its subordinate organisations.

“The main objective is to provide the transport sector with professional, well-educated specialists who meet modern requirements,” noted Turganbaev.

According to him, cooperation with universities should lead to the development of specific proposals and the emergence of new formats for staff training.