Over 22,000 Trained in Essential Skills through JOLTAP Initiative in Astana

The JOLTAP project has been successfully running in Astana for over three years, equipping more than 22,000 individuals with highly sought-after professional and digital skills, as reported by the official website of the city mayor’s office.

Dana Zhunusova, the head of JOLTAP, shared insights into the project's development.

Launched on the President's directive as an additional social support measure for Astana residents, its main goal is to boost citizens' incomes by facilitating skill acquisition and employment.

"Initially, we identified three primary objectives: identifying those in need of support, offering them short-term, practice-oriented training, and assisting with job placement. Over time, JOLTAP has evolved from a standalone social initiative into an adaptive ecosystem that quickly responds to labor market shifts and citizens’ needs. Our fundamental principle remains constant: we must reach out to people, rather than waiting for them to come to us," explained Zhunusova.

Over these three years, project consultants have operated in more than 30 locations, engaging in job fairs, visiting markets, mosques, and other venues to connect with potential participants.

JOLTAP's core revolves around short-term training in crucial professional and digital skills, lasting from 5 to 22 days, with a strong emphasis on practical experience. Training is conducted both in classrooms and at partner businesses, in real production settings. Businesses assist in updating curricula in line with labor market demands.

Besides professional skills, the project fosters work culture, responsibility, and economic independence. According to its leader, JOLTAP embodies the concept "Honest Citizen — Honest Work — Honest Income": valuable skills provide the foundation for honest work, with labor being the source of independent earnings.

During the project’s implementation, 30 training programs have been developed. Over 22,000 people have been trained, with more than 60% of graduates securing employment, and over 2,000 participants launching their own businesses.

One of the tools aiding employment is the JUMYSTAP.kz website, where around 36,000 job seekers are registered, with nearly 80% being qualified professionals. Around 5,000 companies and over 6,000 vacancies are also registered there.

Employers can directly connect with job seekers and hire during the training phase. For instance, sewing companies and ateliers often recruit future employees directly from the classes.

Upon course completion, graduates can join professional communities in their fields. In WhatsApp groups, they receive job vacancy updates, share experiences, and support each other in fulfilling orders. Through these communities, the project monitors participants' employment for up to a year or longer.

Graduates have options: taking on private contracts, becoming self-employed, or starting their own businesses.

As of 2026, JOLTAP offers training in 18 specialties — 13 traditional and 5 digital. Work-related specialties include seamstress, fashion designer-constructor, electric gas welder, electrician, baker, barista, and furniture maker.

Another emphasis is on skills for running small businesses: accounting, taxation, sales, and trading on platforms like Kaspi. Participants can also study graphic design, SMM for micro-businesses, targeting, and other digital tools. Some programs focus on trading and entrepreneurship’s use of artificial intelligence, as well as creating advertisement videos via neural networks.

"These competencies are becoming basic literacy, necessary not only for digital specialists but also for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and those in traditional professions," added the project leader.

JOLTAP participants can combine different fields, creating a personalized set of micro-qualifications. For example, a sewing specialist might study graphic design, SMM, targeting, and small business fundamentals, providing a comprehensive skill set for independent earning and business development.

Educational programs will continue evolving in response to labor market changes and employer needs. Special focus will be given to artificial intelligence, cutting-edge digital tools, and developing a micro-qualifications system.

Free training and consultations are available at JOLTAP centers in the Asia Park Shopping Mall on Kabanbay Batyr Avenue, 21a, and at the Almaty district mayor’s office on Tauelsizdik Avenue, 7. The first center operates from Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and the second from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Further details can be obtained by calling +7 (707) 221-31-31 or visiting the official website joltap.kz.

reported by Housing and Utilities 24, referencing the Astana mayor's office site.

Photo: gov.kz