On May 26, 2025, a regular meeting of the Working Group on updating the Sectoral Qualifications Framework and Professional Standards in the oil and gas industry was held in Astana. The event brought together representatives from relevant ministries, industry trade unions, and oil and gas companies. It was organized by the Ministry of Energy with the support of the national company KazMunayGas, the Kazenergy Association, and Tengizchevroil (TCO).

During the meeting, Vice Minister of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Alibek Zhamauov, emphasized that within the framework of the Year of Working Professions – declared by the President – the RoK Government is placing special focus on developing professional skills and enhancing the prestige of working professions, including those in the petroleum sector. The Government’s goal is to create conditions for professional growth and to recognize the contributions of every specialist, thereby strengthening the national economy and promoting social stability.

This work will continue under the approved 2025 action plan of the Industry Council, which includes the planned update of professional standards. “We highly value the contribution of every specialist to the development of the national qualifications system in the oil and gas industry,” said Vice Minister Alibek Zhamauov.

Kamshat Baizhanova, General Manager for Human Resources at TCO, also spoke at the event.

“This is an important and timely initiative. Our industry is evolving rapidly due to technological advancements, environmental challenges, and labor market transformations. That’s why our qualification frameworks and professional standards must keep pace with these changes and reflect the real competency requirements for specialists—both now and in the future. It is especially symbolic that this work is taking place in 2025, which has been declared the Year of Working Professions in Kazakhstan. This decision highlights the strategic importance of skilled labor and is naturally accompanied by active efforts to develop and implement professional standards,” noted Kamshat Baizhanova.

It is also worth noting that over more than 30 years of operation, TCO has built a strong team of thousands of highly qualified Kazakhstani oil and gas professionals. In addition, TCO has invested over $107 million in enhancing the knowledge and professional capacity of local personnel in key areas such as drilling, production, occupational health and safety, reservoir development, and others.