A working meeting was held in Astana to discuss the development of a strategic partnership between ALT University and the National Company “Kazakhstan Temir Zholy” (KTZ) focused on training highly qualified personnel for the industry.
The meeting was attended by the leadership of ALT University: Chair of the Board – Rector Meruert Zharmagambetova, and Vice-Rector for Corporate and Social Development Andrey Ivanov. Representing NC KTZ JSC were Marat Shakenov, Deputy Chairman of the Board, along with representatives from the Human Resources Management Department.
Meruert Zharmagambetova, Chair of the Board – Rector of ALT University, emphasized that collaboration with the country’s largest employer provides students with new horizons for professional growth, hands-on training, and a successful career start.
A cornerstone of the joint initiative is the implementation of the innovative “University – Industry” (2+1) educational model. This format entails two years of university-based academic study followed by one year of practical training at industrial sites. This approach bridges the gap between academic theory and real-world operational experience within the sector’s enterprises.
For ALT University students, this translates to acquiring high-demand competencies, early immersion into the profession, and tangible employment prospects upon graduation.
This practice-oriented approach is already yielding significant results. In the 2025/26 academic year, 1,230 students from ALT University completed internships at railway industry facilities, 49 students participated in dual-learning programs, and industry experts delivered 23 specialized lectures. There are plans to further scale these metrics in the upcoming academic year.
Currently, ALT University is building an extensive educational ecosystem: the university structure includes six colleges across five cities in Kazakhstan, as well as a lyceum school in Aktau.
Special attention is being paid to the development of students’ applied skills. Within the framework of the partnership with KTZ, a student geodesic detachment was established. Students from relevant fields participated in engineering and geodesic works on the “Zhezkazgan – Sekseuyl” and “Beyneu – Tassay” sections, gaining unique experience in authentic industrial environments.
The cooperation strategy between NC KTZ JSC and ALT University will continue to evolve. The roadmap includes several new initiatives, particularly those concerning digital transformation and innovation. To support this, an AI Center has already been launched at the university.
Following the meeting, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to further developing joint projects aimed at cultivating competitive engineers and strengthening the human resource potential of Kazakhstan’s transport industry.
