Now the important issues of economic recovery after the pandemic. The success of the exit from the crisis depends on what kind of people will develop strategies – both in the government as well as directly in companies, primarily in key sectors of the economy. We need professionals of high class. How to prepare it? You advocate the revival of the specialist and refusal of the Bologna two-tier system (undergraduate and graduate) as unsuitable for training engineers. Why?
Vladimir Litvinenko: it’s not two levels as such, but in the content. A two-tier system is aimed, rather, for the training of teachers and scientists. It does not take into account the new technological capabilities available on the production, not only in the mining sector. It often happens that within 2 years the production of fully rearranged, innovative technologies are being introduced very quickly. But existing standards do not give us under a two-tier system to adequately train personnel for the production. And it’s not just a Russian problem: a few years ago, we have collected more than 500 rectors of higher educational institutions that train engineers for the primary sector. We came from different countries, and at least 90% of the rectors were unanimous in the opinion that the two-stage system is not the best option. She dropped productivity by 3-5%, increased the accident rate.
At your University managed to partially save the specialist. This approach gives students?
Vladimir Litvinenko: We are preparing a highly qualified mining engineer, who is not only versed in the techniques and equipment, but also has interdisciplinary knowledge. Already from the 2nd course students are career guidance and understand in which segment they will go in the future. To us constantly there come representatives of the largest companies, students are offered a wide range of opportunities for practice and internships, including abroad. Yes, some of the graduates after graduation go to work in other countries, that’s true, but I am glad that some return to Russia and work for us in the representative offices of foreign companies.
what is the new system of retraining, the introduction of which you speak?
Vladimir Litvinenko: It is similar to the training of pilots and doctors. After graduation the graduate is working at the company as a trainee technician. For example, in Australia, Canada and Norway defined the term: 3 years for bachelor, 2 years for specialist and master degrees. Then additional courses and examinations to the experts appointed by the professional community and not associated with corporations, not liberalsim their interests. After the exams the graduate is a professional ��ornym engineer. The same system can be implemented in the training of specialists for water and air transport. As for our University, it has already established an international Centre of excellence in mining engineering education under the auspices of UNESCO, which may carry out this certification.
this year the St. Petersburg state University the first in the world will start to receive specialty “Liquefied natural gas”. Why is there such a need?
Vladimir Litvinenko: Is a separate segment of the economy that develops the “space” pace and requires specific training. As for demand, here is an example of India: the country plans a 10% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by partially replacing coal to liquefied natural gas. India plans to spend 300 billion cubic meters of liquefied gas. It will be delivered by tanker and rehabilitierung.
the cost of preparation of such specialists is very high, 2 times higher than normal, and usually the student’s fees we include in the budget from 450 to 720 thousand rubles a year. They will require additional investment, including the opening of five new laboratories.
were there at the University, new methods of mining?
Vladimir Litvinenko: We are involved in several projects on construction and modernization of mining industry. One of the most interesting – development of systems for drilling wells with platforms that cost at least 5 times cheaper than traditional. Also working on solution of ecological problems related to the utilization of associated petroleum gas, which is generated during oil production.
the University ranked in the TOP 20 of the QS. What does this mean?
Vladimir Litvinenko: We got a score of 94.3 out of a possible 100, and the main criterion was the opinion of employers. It all very well. But I will say something else: in France, Germany and other countries have their own ratings, there developed a corresponding evaluation criteria. For example, in Germany defined 5 leading technical universities. We also need to develop their own criteria and indicators to identify their industry leaders. And it will be done: the government has set such a task.
What specialties are most popular among students of your University?
Vladimir Litvinenko: we offer all of the specialty interesting and promising! Up to 90% of the graduates during the training knew exactly where I would go to work. Most importantly when you receive – not to be mistaken with a choice, to properly assess their capabilities. During training, no excessive demands, everything is designed for normal time student. But you need to learn!
