News

21st Century Learning @ Kazmunaygaz Education Centre

On Wednesday 9th April Bernie Wilson, Commercial Attache at the British Embassy in Astana, welcomed delegates to a seminar on Vocational Education and the role of eLearning in how companies can become Modern Learning Organisations.

Key speakers were David Woodgate, Chief Executive of the UK Institute of Financial Accounting, and Vic Baxter, NewLeaders Director of Studies.

David set the scene by explaining just powerful a tool Vocational Education can be in upskilling workforces in new and emerging economies,

"At a national level it is about developing a new layer of educated citizens. Undoubtedly, competent specialists in management and administration across a number of sectors will have a strategic role in helping Kazakhstan to achieve its goal of becoming one of the top 50 most developed developed by 2030. This will be impossible without educated people - the most important capital of Kazakhstan".

Vic's address focused on how companies can become Modern Learning Organisations (MLOs),

"Our programmes are a direct response to directives from national governments in respect of "localisation" and can lead to organisational improvement in the companies and organisations that adopt them."

NewLeaders CIS Programme Director, Nina Loginova-MacFarlane's closing remarks caught the mood of the day,

"Organisations such as the SAMRUK group of companies are harnessing the talents of a whole new generation of managers and business leaders. Typically such people are embracing new trends such as social networking on internet sites - our programmes can become part of and enhance that virtual life."

Yes Ministry

NewLeaders Director of Studies, Vic Baxter, was among a number of speakers and guests invited from Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, EU, Korea, the World Bank, the British Council and a number of Asiatic countries, to attend the Kazakhstan Ministry of Education seminar

"Assistance in the development of vocational education in the Republic of Kazakhstan as a part of International Projects".

The seminar took place in Astana on the 28th & 29th of March 2008. Its purpose was to bring together global experts to discuss and promote the role of vocational education in modernising Kazakhstan's economy.

Vic's address ended on,

"That if there is one message I want to leave you with today, it is ...
  -   NOT to live in the shadows of "playing CATCH UP" with other regions
  -  But to think in terms of playing LEAP FROG
At this seminar it is evident that Kazakhstan has sought out and developed access to know how and technology to support not only rapid development but also the ability to overtake and LEAP FROG many regions that are beset with legacy systems and beliefs ... and we at New Leaders want to support this on a WIN / Win basis."