22 August 2024
EXPERT OPINION ON THE TRAINING OF SPECIALISTS FOR THE NUCLEAR INDUSTRY
Baimoldanova Lazat Sarkytbekkyzyzy, Acting Head of the Department of Physics and Technology, PhD
Training of specialists for the nuclear industry in Kazakhstan is not only a matter of technical competence, but also a strategic priority for national security and sustainable development. In the context of growing energy needs and against the background of global challenges in the field of environment and safety, the curricula of universities training personnel for the nuclear industry should take into account several key topics.
One of the most important aspects of specialist training is the study of safety issues in the construction and operation of nuclear power plants (NPPs). For Kazakhstan, as a country with ambitious plans to develop nuclear power, it is extremely important for future specialists to develop an understanding of risks and measures to minimize them. This includes in-depth study of international safety standards, analysis of historical incidents and disasters, and assessment of the impact of NPPs on the environment and public health. Teaching these topics should be based on up-to-date data and technologies, which will ensure a high level of specialist training and increase public confidence in the nuclear power industry.
Energy safety is another critical aspect that should be integrated into educational programs. With the growth of industry and increasing demand for electricity in Kazakhstan, nuclear power is becoming a promising area to ensure a stable and independent energy supply. It is important that students understand how nuclear power plants can contribute to diversifying the country’s energy mix and reducing dependence on fossil energy sources, especially in the context of the global transition to low-carbon energy.
In addition, training should include a thorough understanding of the role of nuclear technology in the development of science and technology in Kazakhstan. The nuclear industry can become a driver of innovation in related fields such as nuclear medicine, materials science, future energy and many others.
Several leading universities in Kazakhstan train specialists in nuclear physics. Among them is our university – Amanzholov University, which implements the educational program “Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Power Engineering”. As part of this program, the curriculum includes disciplines on nuclear technology, NPP construction, consumption and required energy capacity, as well as other global issues related to the nuclear industry in the world and Kazakhstan. Our goal is to train specialists capable not only of applying existing technologies, but also of conducting scientific research, developing new solutions and participating in scientific projects. This makes our graduates in demand in the labor market and ready to effectively meet the challenges of ensuring security, energy independence and technological development of the country.
To fulfill this task, all necessary conditions have been created for obtaining quality education. The Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan annually allocates grants for studying specialists in nuclear physics and nuclear power engineering. Our Chairman of the Board-Rector, Tolegen Mukhtar Adilbekuly, actively supports students by providing them with internship opportunities in the leading nuclear centers of the country, as well as by organizing exchange programs and cooperation with international educational and scientific institutions. This opens up unique perspectives for our students to gain practical experience and broaden their horizons in the field of nuclear power and nuclear physics.