Training the renewable energy workforce with skills for the future
Kazakhstan: Preparing a skilled workforce to power the green economy
What if rural students in one of the world's most energy-intensive countries were the key to a cleaner, greener future?
In Kazakhstan, they are!
At the Mangystau Energy College, a new generation of skilled professionals is being trained to drive the green transition. Through a dual training programme in renewable energy, this vocational institution is developing the technical and practical skills needed to install, maintain and manage clean energy systems across the country’s vast steppes and sun-rich regions.
“Young people are our future. They will play the most important role in the development of green energy sources.”
– Ainur Ondakhanova, teacher of economics, Mangystau Energy College
The European Training Foundation (ETF) is delighted to count this initiative as one of the five finalists in the race for the Green Skills Award 2025. Read on to find out why.
The project
Mangystau Energy College is leading an innovative programme designed to equip a skilled, future-ready workforce capable of driving Kazakhstan's shift from fossil fuels to cleaner, greener renewable energy sources. In a region where renewable energy presents both challenges and opportunities, this forward-looking initiative positions Mangystau Energy College at the forefront of green skills development, strategically preparing young people for the in-demand clean energy careers of the future.
The ETF has selected this initiative as one of the five finalists for the prestigious Green Skills Award, recognising its cutting-edge technical education and hands-on learning model in a region where renewable energy is both a challenge and an opportunity.
Why this initiative stands out:
- New speciality programme launched in 2024: a fully accredited course in renewable energy, aligned with national professional standards
- A combination of theory and hands-on work: 2,880 hours over nearly three years, including lab work, industrial placements and real-world projects
- Strong links with industry: students are trained to meet the exact needs of regional companies in solar, wind and hybrid energy
- Practical innovation: students design and build functional solar panels and water-saving systems as part of their green skills training
How it works:
- An accredited programme, with a renewable energy specialisation that falls under Kazakhstan's 07130500 code
- Successful graduates are certified as renewable energy equipment operators
- Duration of the course is 2 years and 10 months
- Course content includes solar, wind, hydro, biogas, installation, diagnostics, repair, maintenance, automation and design
- A dual education format maximising the benefits of classroom training with structured internships at energy facilities
“When students see what they can do with their hands, they get excited. That excitement is the beginning of everything.”
- Dossan Karashayev, teacher of economics, Mangystau Energy College
- 1,558 students at Mangystau Energy College
- 111 teachers, 50% with advanced technical qualifications
- Fully equipped classrooms, training stands and cutting-edge lab infrastructure
- Curriculum aligned with Kazakhstan’s Green Economy Strategy, which strives for 15% renewable energy by 2030, 50% by 2050
“Our dream is to become a model for vocational education in Central Asia — with green energy at the heart.”
– Ainur Ondakhanova, teacher of economics, Mangystau Energy College
- 25 students currently enrolled in the dual training format
- Internships with major energy producers like TOO Best Group NS, KT Redkometal and VEC Service
- Graduates are employed by wind and solar energy companies, with some focusing on bringing electricity to off-grid rural communities
- Students from remote villages are applying their green energy skills and expertise in their hometowns, improving access to electricity and water in rural areas
“We have five enterprises in our region using solar and wind energy — and our students are the ones keeping them running.”
– Dossan Karashayev, teacher of economics, Mangystau Energy College
Kazakhstan faces serious challenges – 70% of the country's electricity is generated by coal power plants that have been operating for nearly 50 years without technical upgrades, and many rural areas are still underserved by the national grid. This project offers part of the solution, training a future workforce ready to modernise the country’s energy sector and be an integral part of the green transition.
“This programme doesn't just teach green energy — it creates economic opportunity, energy access and environmental resilience.”
– Ainur Ondakhanova, teacher of economics, Mangystau Energy College
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