As part of the Year of Working Professions, a special press tour for light industry specialists was organized in Shymkent. The venue of the event was the College of Light Industry and Service, a leading educational institution training personnel in the light industry and service sector.

The main goal of the press tour was to present the college's educational opportunities, the achievements of graduates, and the specialties that are in demand in the current labor market.

During the event, the participants first met with the college administration. The college director, Gulmira Zhapbarkyzy, answered questions from the press and provided extensive information about the potential of the educational institution. She noted the high-level capabilities of the institution:

"The College of Light Industry and Service is a basic educational institution in Shymkent that trains specialists in the light industry. In 2017, we won the "Best College" nomination. Currently, the educational process is carried out in three buildings. All buildings are equipped in accordance with sanitary requirements and have classrooms for 558 people. The college has 9 training workshops and 10 competence centers equipped with modern equipment. Our students have been studying under the dual training system since 2014, 40 percent of which is theoretical, 60 percent is industrial practice. Currently, 527 students are studying under the dual system. In addition, we have established partnerships with 35 enterprises in Shymkent, allowing graduates to enter the labor market directly," he said.

During the event, a fashion show featuring students' original designs was organized, and the participants were introduced to the creative possibilities of the college. The Coworking space and modern creative offices for young people were also shown. The equipment used at the college includes Japanese JUKI, Kanzai, Italian Rotondi and Turkish Özbilim brands, all of which comply with WorldSkills standards. This will greatly contribute to improving the quality of the educational process.

In the second part of the press tour, the participants visited the Competence Center of the College of Light Industry and Service in the "Ontustik" special economic zone. Here they got acquainted with the work of the republican training ground for "Fashion Technology". The guests saw the capabilities of the center, equipped with modern equipment, and observed practical classes of students.

In addition, the press representatives visited the college's partner enterprises and got acquainted with their production processes. First, they were introduced to the work of the "AGF" garment factory, where they were shown clothing sewing technologies and opportunities for students to undergo industrial practice. Then they visited the "Nazar-Textile" carpet factory, where they were informed about production capacity, product quality, and export potential.

It is worth noting that college students are also achieving great success in the international arena. They have become winners of the WorldSkills, EuroSkills and Abilympics championships, and in 2024 they passed international industry accreditation together with France. Partnerships have been established with colleges in Turkey and the Denizli Industrial Zone. Today, 10 student startup projects are being implemented, with about 40 young people participating in them. Students with special educational needs are also winning prizes at the Abilympics championships.