Assessing the preparation of engineering personnel: a study of employer needs in the East Kazakhstan Region

Engineering education serves as a cornerstone of a region's economic potential, and its continuous improvement is essential for driving rapid and positive economic transformations. The strategic objectives of universities should be focused on ensuring that graduates leave their institutions with confidence in their future and the ability to swiftly adapt to the industrial environment. However, according to data from the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Republic of Kazakhstan, a significant number of engineering graduates are compelled to undergo retraining after completing their studies. Addressing this issue necessitates the development and implementation of a unified managerial approach. Such an approach would enable universities to prepare engineering personnel in alignment with contemporary economic trends, labor market demands, and the requirements of key stakeholders. The article demonstrates that the development of educational programs must prioritize the cultivation of universal competencies (soft skills). Soft skills are essential for engineers, enabling teamwork in interdisciplinary fields and adaptation to fast-changing technology. An online survey of employers in the East Kazakhstan Region helped identify the most significant soft skills, assess their current level, and forecast future competencies. The study confirmed that soft skills development greatly improves graduates' readiness to adapt to the evolving labor market and technology. The survey results provided a basis for recommendations to improve the educational process in universities. Partial implementation of these recommendations will enable the preparation of qualified engineering personnel tailored to the needs of the regional labor market.