Shavkat Mirziyoyev Visits Almalyk to Review Educational and Industrial Developments
Almalyk, The Gulf Observer: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the city of Almalyk in the Tashkent region, focusing on the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex (AMMC), a key driver of the city’s economic growth. The AMMC has played a pivotal role in boosting the local economy by generating jobs, housing, and establishing cultural and educational institutions.
During his visit, President Mirziyoyev emphasized the need to maintain continuous economic growth through scientific development across all sectors. To this end, personnel training has become a central focus in Almalyk, with the establishment of educational institutions aimed at producing highly skilled professionals for the mining and metallurgical industry. Notably, branches of the Tashkent State Technical University and the Moscow State Institute of Steel and Alloys have been opened in Almalyk.
A key highlight of the President’s visit was his inspection of the newly created Engineering School of the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex. Based on German educational models, the school aims to train 480 engineers annually and enhance the qualifications of thousands of employees in the sector. International collaboration is a cornerstone of the school’s program, with foreign professors and teachers participating in the education process.
The curriculum at the engineering school is modeled on advanced methodologies from renowned institutions such as the Freiberg Mining Academy in Germany and industry leaders like GP Günter Papenburg AG and Aurubis AG. The school is equipped with cutting-edge academic and practical resources in fields like mechanics, metallurgy, production automation, mineral processing, and energy. During his tour, President Mirziyoyev visited several classrooms and interacted with the students.
“Times are changing, and innovation is becoming central to all industries. To be a competent and qualified specialist, one must continuously improve. The future of the plant lies in digitalization. Each department and stage of production must be digitalized,” President Mirziyoyev remarked.
Currently, the third copper processing plant at the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex is under construction, and the school is actively training specialists to support this major project. In just a short period, over 100 young professionals employed in the industry have received training at the facility.
President Mirziyoyev stressed the importance of linking education closely with practical application to maximize the effectiveness of the school. “Classes must be held regularly and be firmly tied to real-world practices,” he noted.
Earlier this year, a videoconference on June 20 addressed the need for further development of engineering education and the enhancement of higher education institutions. In its first phase, 10 advanced engineering schools have been planned. These schools will forge partnerships with industrial enterprises, creating a chain that connects industry, enterprise, and university education. The schools will offer in-depth instruction in subjects like mathematics, physics, chemistry, engineering graphics, computer science, and foreign languages.
Programs will follow a “4+1” structure, with bachelor’s and master’s degrees organized to prepare targeted professionals for industry. Students will be selected from the second year for specialized training in collaboration with industrial partners. Additionally, professors and teachers from these schools will receive international training, supported by the “El-Yurt Umidi” Foundation and other relevant partners.
As part of this initiative, industrial partners will also establish modern laboratories based on the needs of the sector, further enhancing the hands-on experience for students.
President Mirziyoyev’s visit to Almalyk reflects the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and modernization in key industries, with a strong emphasis on education and workforce development.