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The specialists needed by the Vitebsk region's economy and what can help retain them in their positions were discussed at a meeting with the participation of the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, Alexander Subbotin.

The meeting, held at the Vitebsk State Technical College, was dedicated to improving the system of training mid-level and higher-level specialists, and skilled workers for organizations in the real sector of the economy. Participants discussed the capabilities of educational institutions at the present stage and the mechanisms for their interaction with industrial enterprises. The discussion also covered which professions are most in demand by the economy of our northern region today and what problems hinder the development of human resources.

Alexander Subbotin emphasized that the phrase "Cadres decide everything" is more relevant than ever. Three main issues concerning their training can be highlighted. Firstly, it is necessary to understand how to attract applicants to specialties that are essential for the economy and how to enhance the prestige of these professions. For example, it can be difficult to find a good finisher, bricklayer, or car mechanic. The second point is the quality of training. It does not always meet the requirements of the time and the demands of employers. And the third is retention in their positions.

— We decided to invite those who train specialists, those for whom specialists are trained, and those who regulate this issue — in order to make a balanced and comprehensive decision, — noted the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee. — I believe there is interaction, but it is insufficient. If there is no staff retention, it means we misunderstand something in this process, we are not doing enough. We will see where we need to improve and where to enhance our work.

— It is very important for us to exchange opinions with the customers of personnel, synchronize our efforts, and see which training areas are important, — commented the First Deputy Minister of Education of Belarus, Alexander Bakhanevich. — We can see from the college where we are present that the education system of the Vitebsk region is developing very dynamically, and there are good examples of this. Here, students receive not only secondary vocational but also vocational-technical education. Skilled trades are very important; they are what drive our economy.

Alexander Bachanovich emphasized career guidance for schoolchildren. In his opinion, targeted training fairs and excursions to industrial enterprises undoubtedly help young people choose their future path, but at the same time, it can be too late to engage in career guidance in the ninth or eleventh grade.

— We need to start this earlier and involve employers to ensure their direct participation in the process, — noted Alexander Bachanovich.

Dmitry Khoma, Head of the Main Department for Education of the Regional Executive Committee, explained how specialists are trained in the Vitebsk region and outlined the tasks that need to be addressed in the near future to improve the current situation. Veronika Zabolueva, Chairperson of the Economics Committee of the Regional Executive Committee, spoke about which professions are currently in deficit in our region.

— According to the data provided by the district and city executive committees, the demand for specialists with higher education for 2022-2026 is over 800 people. Among them, the largest number of personnel are required in specialties such as power engineer, electronics engineer, process engineer, mechanical engineer, design engineer, and software engineer, — she explained. — The demand for specialists with secondary and vocational-technical education for 2022-2026 is over 4 thousand. Among the most in-demand are heat power technician, mechanical technician, process equipment operator, electric and gas welder, CNC machine operator, milling machine operator, grinder, seamstress, shoe assembler, and others.

Sergey Murza, Deputy Director of OJSC "Stankozavod "Krasny Borets," and Yuri Peterson, General Director of SE "Vitebsk DSK," spoke about why personnel issues arise, how they are resolved locally, and where legislative support would be desirable.