ENGINEERING EDUCATION IN EAST KAZAKHSTAN: PERSPECTIVES AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

Object: the purpose of this study is to develop recommendations for engineering education in the East Kazakhstan region to provide the labor market of the region with highly qualified personnel. Methods: analysis of statistical data to assess labor market needs in the region. A forecast socioeconomic development of the region is derived by calculating average and relative values based on this data. Surveys and interviews with employers and university staff to identify barriers to university graduates acquiring necessary professional competencies. Findings: a comparison of the factors influencing the development of engineering education in East Kazakhstan region, based on the labor market and real sector of economy, is provided, along with positive and negative trends in their influence on the region's development; it is established that engineering education has become more accessible to entrants and its status has decreased. Conclusions: engineering education plays an active role in the global process of modern society development during the fourth industrial revolution and digital economy. It is becoming easier to transform knowledge into innovations due to the exponential increase in new knowledge. High-quality personnel will be trained and sustainable development will be achieved through the practical application of the proposed results and proposals for engineering education, not just in East Kazakhstan, but also in other regions of Kazakhstan.