IAEA Seminar on Nuclear Energy Workforce Development Concludes in Astana
A seminar organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the development of human resources and workforce capacity for Kazakhstan’s nuclear industry has concluded in Astana.
The seminar brought together more than 40 participants, including representatives of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University, L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, and other educational institutions, as well as employees of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, and NAC Kazatomprom JSC.
The seminar was led by IAEA technical expert Alesya Yunikova from the Nuclear Knowledge Management Section of the Department of Nuclear Energy. Invited experts Vitaly Shumsky (Belarus) and Oswald Glockler (Hungary) shared international experience in project management, licensing, personnel training, and ensuring the safety of nuclear facilities.
During the seminar, participants examined modern IAEA approaches to developing human resource strategies, sustainable professional capacity building, and knowledge management in the nuclear sector.
Ms. Yunikova emphasized the importance of a systematic approach to developing human capital for countries establishing national nuclear infrastructure.
“An integrated approach to knowledge management is a key element for successfully creating and maintaining national competencies in nuclear energy,” noted the IAEA representative.
The working sessions also addressed the role of higher education in providing qualified personnel for the industry. The Kazakhstani side presented a draft comprehensive national plan for nuclear workforce development, which envisions cooperation with universities, the enhancement of educational programs, professional development for specialists, and the expansion of international internships.
The plan includes further strengthening partnerships with specialized institutions and universities, expanding specialized educational programs, improving qualification frameworks, and developing international internship opportunities. In particular, efforts are underway to expand internship programs with leading foreign organizations in the field.
Participants highlighted the high practical value of the seminar and expressed their readiness to implement IAEA recommendations in training qualified personnel for Kazakhstan’s nuclear industry.
The seminar contributed to strengthening national competencies and facilitating further cooperation between Kazakhstan and the IAEA in the safe and sustainable development of nuclear energy.
Both sides expressed confidence that the experience and new knowledge gained during the seminar will serve as a foundation for the continued development of the national workforce system and for strengthening long-term international partnerships.
