Innovations in education: Satbayev University expands the boundaries of dual education

Satbayev University continues to strengthen the integration of education and production, offering the students unique opportunities to develop industrial knowledge, skills and abilities. A wide dual training program is conducted by Energy and Mechanical Engineering Institute - currently, Institute cooperates with more than 30 enterprises, on the basis of which branches of Institute's departments have been established.

In order to integrate education and production, since 2022, Institute has launched a pilot project to train the students directly in production. Almaty Heavy Machinery Plant and Allur Automobile Plant, which produces JAC, Chevrolet, Kia, LADA, Jetour machines, were chosen as a trial balloon.

Memoranda provide not only for the exchange of teachers and students, but also for the full participation of students in real production processes. Students are registered as employees of the enterprise, which allows them to receive salaries and be deeply involved in the work of production. At the same time, they receive theoretical classes using distance learning technologies in accordance with the curricula of degree programs.

Students not only practice their skills, but also offer their ideas for optimizing the production. So one of Satbayev University’s students, Abylai Kozhikenov, proposed a project that was implemented as part of optimizing the assembly line of Kostanay automobile plant Allur. After defending his diploma, Abylai stayed working at the same place where he had studied.

- Students now do not want to just come to the practice for the sake of being marked as present. They make specific proposals and try to develop. And we, in turn, give them this opportunity. The plant receives new qualified personnel, and the guys build a successful career and develop the industry, - Allur representatives noted.

The introduction of dual training on the basis of Almaty Heavy Machinery Plant was successful as well. During the year, 120 students graduated from the plant in three degree programs of Energy and Mechanical Engineering Institute. The classes were conducted by experienced production workers - the head of the quality service and AHMP’s chief mechanic.

Based on the results of this experience, starting from the next academic year, it is planned to send all 4^th-year students for an internship at manufacturing enterprises.

Another way to organize dual training is to create a laboratory base using VR technologies. The digital laboratory provides scenario modeling using the artificial reality technologies. Students immerse themselves in a virtual environment and manually perform the installation and assembly of technological equipment components according to the teacher's assignment. Satbayev University Energy and Mechanical Engineering Institute uses the given technology in the virtual reality laboratory opened with the support of Porsche.

The practice-oriented training model is becoming more and more popular in the industry, as we solve many production problems with personnel. As a result of launching the dual training programs upon graduation, students have little experience and knowledge, as well as involvement in the production where they studied, which is a big plus for business.

This innovative approach enables Satbayev University to create conditions for a successful career for its students and support the development of industry in Kazakhstan.