Business news

MINSK, 6 May (BelTA) – In optimizing vocational education it is important to match curriculums with the skills manufacturers need, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said during his visit to Minsk Motor Plant on 6 May, BelTA has learned.

The head of state stressed that Belarus is almost the only country in the post-Soviet space that has preserved its vocational education at such a high level. Today many countries try to revive the previous system. The process, however, is not easy and requires a lot of time and resources. Minsk Motor Plant workers asked the President what needs to be done in order to enhance the status of blue-collar jobs. Alexander Lukashenko noted: “To enhance the status of any profession, one needs to create jobs and offer decent wages. Anyone will come and work if they are offered good jobs and salaries.”

The President also touched upon the quality of vocational education. In his words, it is vital for a future specialist to see the production process and acquire firsthand skills almost on a daily basis. The President’s essential requirement to vocational training is to make sure these specialists should be in demand in the national economy. Alexander Lukashenko is confident that there should be a clear understanding of the number of specialists a certain sector needs. As for higher education, the President stressed that it is specialists in new areas that are strongly sought after today. “The future is in IT, space, nuclear power plants, and the latest technologies. We will be training more specialists for these sectors,” he said.

The head of state also stressed that blue-collar workforce will always be important and in demand. “Blue-collar workers are the basis for everything. Therefore, the goal I have set forth is to optimize vocational education and get rid of everything unnecessary in the educational system. A close link to manufacturers’ needs is essential.”