Putin Calls Blue-Collar Jobs Prestigious and Speaks of Systematic Workforce Training

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reaffirmed the government’s focus on training highly skilled workers. Speaking recently, he described vocational education as a top priority. His comments highlight ongoing efforts to modernise training and align it with industry needs.

Since the 2010s, Russia has expanded vocational education and training (VET) through a series of structured reforms. Secondary vocational schools, known as kolledzhi, and trade schools have received updates to their curricula and equipment. Professional standards and certification systems were strengthened, aligning with a national qualifications framework. State-backed apprenticeships now link schools directly with businesses.

Funding has increased for sectoral training centres, particularly in manufacturing, construction, transport, IT, healthcare, and energy. Regional competence centres were also established to address local labour shortages. Programs to retrain displaced or mid-career workers include short professional courses and modular continuing education.

Public-private partnerships have grown, with employers co-developing qualifications and providing workplace training. Dual-education models, similar to apprenticeships, now offer wage subsidies and tax incentives for participating companies. Centralised labour-market forecasting helps target training for key sectors, a policy intensified in the 2020s.

Putin stressed that skilled trades are gaining prestige as they become more complex. He called for closer ties between education and real-world production, describing this integration as a cornerstone of policy. Business leaders are also being engaged to shape workforce training and expand targeted development programs.

The government’s systematic approach aims to ensure a steady supply of qualified workers. By linking education with industry demands, Russia seeks to strengthen its labour market. These measures form part of broader national strategies on education and employment under Putin’s administration.