Within the framework of the Trigger project of the Erasmus+ program, the International Forum

Within the framework of the Trigger project of the Erasmus+ program, the International Forum “Professional Development and Employment of Graduates: Current Labor Market Trends, Challenges and Opportunities” was held on May 15, 2024

The Eurasian National University hosted an international forum “Professional Development and Employment of Graduates: Current Labor Market Trends, Challenges and Opportunities” within the framework of the TRIGGER project “Stimulating Innovative Approaches and Entrepreneurial Skills of Students through Creating Conditions for Graduate Employment in Central Asia” of the Erasmus+ program. The experts discussed issues of lifelong learning, improving students’ entrepreneurial and professional skills, and university participation in international educational projects.

The forum was attended by representatives of government agencies, business, Kazakhstani and foreign universities, experts from European countries, Erasmus+ National Office in Kazakhstan, employment centers, educational centers, members of the TRIGGER project consortium. In his video message, Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan Sayasat Nurbek noted that now we are living in the paradigm of “Lifelong Learning” and it is necessary to constantly improve skills.

The plenary session “Challenges and Obstacles: Discussion of the Main Issues and Challenges Facing Graduates in Employment” included such keynote speakers as Yerlan Sydykov, Chairman of the Management Board - Rector of the NJSC “The L.N. Gumilyov ENU”; Olzhas Ordabayev, Vice Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan with a focus on the importance of lifelong learning; Tansel Tercan, Member of the Board of Directors of the NJSC “The L.N. Gumilyov ENU”, CEO of Rixos President Astana Hotel; Olzhas Omar, Director of the KSU “Center for Labor Mobility of Astana Akimat”, Kazakhstan.

Panel sessions on the following topics were held within the framework of the forum: “Partnership and Cooperation: Assessment of the Impact of European Projects on the Development of Universities in Central Asia”, “Improving Students’ Entrepreneurial Skills through Entrepreneurship Training Programs”, “Building Bridges: Developing Professional Ties at the University to Strengthen the Business Network”, “Professional Development and Career Growth: How to Develop Graduate Skills for a Successful Career”, “Financial Support for Private Companies and Organizations: Scholarships, Sponsorship, Grants and Partnerships as a Long-Lasting Source of Support for University Students”, “How the University Can Keep in Touch with Graduates to Share Experiences and Opportunities for Cooperation”.

In the light of the rapidly changing world and the demands of the modern labor market, the importance of professional development and employment of graduates of higher educational institutions is becoming increasingly relevant. In this context, the International Forum ЭProfessional Development and Employment of Graduates: Current Labor Market Trends, Challenges and Opportunities” organized within the framework of the Erasmus+ TRIGGER program project is designed to become a platform for discussing key issues facing educational institutions, employers and graduates.