Entrance exams for prospective students applying for targeted training are in full swing at the Belarusian National Technical University. This format of study is gaining popularity every year: recent high school graduates gain confidence in the future and receive an expanded benefits package, while factories receive specialists tailored to their specific industries. BNTU First Vice-Rector Andrei Safonov discussed this year's admissions campaign for prospective students applying for targeted training.
Admissions committee statistics confirm a steady increase in interest in targeted training programs from both young people and the real economy. Compared to previous years, the university has significantly increased its recruitment volumes in response to specific employer requests.
– How have admissions figures and the number of applications from companies changed during the current admissions campaign?
– This year, the Ministry of Education allocated 487 places for targeted training to our university, with companies submitting 510 applications. We are recruiting for 30 specializations and 57 specialized fields. Looking at the dynamics over the past three years, three years ago we enrolled around 270 people, while last year it was 410. We see that interest from both companies and applicants is steadily growing, the First Vice Rector emphasized.
The formation of qualifying scores in this segment has its own specifics. The excitement around the same areas can vary greatly depending on the prestige of the future workplace. That's why, according to Andrey Safonov, applicants approach their choice of organization just as carefully as their choice of faculty:
"Competition is determined by two factors: major and enterprise, so both are taken into account. The spread can be significant: from one applicant per spot to four or even eight. The highest competition this year is for the architecture major at Minskproekt, with eight applicants per spot. There's also high demand for the mechanical engineering major at two leading companies—MAZ and the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant. There, the competition is four to five applicants per spot. The interest is quite impressive. In my career guidance work, I always emphasize that a targeted applicant chooses an enterprise first, not a university. The university acts as a guide to a promising profession. When an applicant consciously chooses their future place of work, everything falls into place, and we collectively prepare a high-quality specialist." Signing a tripartite agreement fundamentally changes the approach to higher education. The First Vice-Rector is confident that students don't simply attend lectures in classrooms, but rather become part of their future employer's team from their first year:
"How is the educational process structured and how do targeted students interact with enterprises?"
"Of course, the process doesn't end with the signing of the agreement between the enterprise, the university, and the applicant. The recruiting agency is directly involved in the training: it provides equipment that can be delivered to BNTU or used at the plant itself. Employees from the enterprises are actively involved in the educational process, conducting practical classes and excursions. In other words, the process itself, both theoretical and practical, is tailored to the real-life situations of a specific production facility. By organizing training in this way, we significantly reduce the graduate's adaptation period. Upon arrival at the plant, young specialists immediately understand the structure of the enterprise and solve assigned problems in the shortest possible time."
In addition to a guaranteed first job, recruiting agencies actively use social support tools to attract and retain the best graduates. Basic guarantees are typically established at the outset, giving students confidence in the future:
"Already at the contract stage, all companies stipulate their obligations to provide housing to young professionals after graduation. We also provide additional financial incentives during their studies. This isn't a traditional stipend; rather, it's a monthly supplement, the amount of which depends on academic performance. The company always monitors the student's progress, and if they excel, they receive this payment. We have many such positive examples, particularly in the energy sector. And after graduation, in addition to state payments, companies provide young professionals with financial support, including housing assistance, if necessary," concluded Andrey Safonov.
Today, targeted training at BNTU is no longer just a "backup airfield" for admissions and has become a conscious career start. By linking their studies with this company, applicants receive not only a diploma from a leading technical university but also a powerful ally who is as interested in their professional growth as the university itself.
