Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The second semester is a crucial time for ninth-graders. The Basic State Exam (OGE) is just around the corner, meaning it's time to decide on a future career. Today, choosing a college is the first step toward a sought-after specialty and launching a career even before receiving a diploma. Vocational schools are currently offering courses. open daysThey help prospective students become familiar with educational programs and gain insight into in-demand professions. A mos.ru correspondent learned about classes at modern colleges and the prospects open to students.
Mechanical engineering from the first year
IN Moscow State Educational Complex (MGOK) believes it's important to begin learning about the profession as early as possible. Students acquire the necessary skills and gain practical experience as early as their first year. This educational institution trains students in programs that are especially needed by Moscow's manufacturing industries today. Among the most in-demand programs are "Metalworking Machine Operator/Setup Operator," "Industrial Equipment Installation and Repair," "Electrical Installation," "Aviation Equipment Assembler," and "Pharmacist." Incidentally, last year, nearly a thousand applications were submitted for the "Metalworking" program, confirming the high interest in these blue-collar jobs.
"Students are immersed in the profession already in their first year. Internships account for 70 percent of the curriculum. Educational programs are updated annually with the participation of employer partners. Each specialty in mechanical engineering includes three to five blue-collar jobs. This allows graduates to feel confident in the job market," noted Natalia Eremina, Director of the Moscow State Educational Complex.
The college's pride and joy is the mechanical engineering practical training center, opened within the Technopolis Moscow special economic zone. It is equipped with Russian-made equipment, including computer numerical control (CNC) machines, as well as laser cutting and other metalworking systems. Future CNC operators and mechanical engineering technologists are trained here, and a computer modeling and metrology laboratory operates. With over 3,000 square meters of space, 1,500 students annually master modern manufacturing technologies.
The college collaborates with over 350 companies, including state corporations. Since 2022, it has been implementing targeted training programs for the aviation industry. This allows students to sign contracts with future employers while still studying. Anastasia Shishkova, a fifth-year student, has personally experienced the benefits of this practical training.
"I enrolled at MGOK to major in CNC machine operator. After my first year, I liked it so much that I decided to stay on and study to become a mechanical engineering technologist. I'm currently working as a CNC machine setter and am already earning a good income. My plan is to program the machines myself and further develop my career," says Anastasia Shishkova.
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Highly skilled auto mechanics and adjusters
Moscow Technological College named after I.A. Likhachev — one of the flagship institutions for training specialists for the capital's transport and industry. Here, you can obtain qualifications as a general lathe operator, welder, auto mechanic, logistician, and CNC machine operator and adjuster. Last year, the competition for some specialties reached seven applicants per place, and the total number of state-funded places was 1,920. Admission is based on the combined scores of the Basic State Exam (OGE) (Russian language and mathematics), with a minimum score of 30 to 41 points, depending on the specialty.
"Over the past year, we've significantly expanded our facilities: we've opened new laboratories for electrical and electromechanical equipment, as well as workshops for training electricians and mechanics. Over 500 students have already begun classes in the renovated workshops, which recreate real production processes. We're proud that 98 percent of our graduates are successfully employed," said Ivan Stepanov, Director of the I.A. Likhachev Moscow Technological College.
The college places special emphasis on updating its educational programs in collaboration with employers. Together with leading Moscow companies involved in vehicle maintenance and repair, the "Technical Maintenance and Repair of Motor Vehicles" program was developed. Students now learn to operate the most modern vehicles, including electric vehicles, and gain customer service skills. Graduates receive two qualifications: fourth-category automotive mechanic and vehicle acceptance technician.
The college collaborates with over 130 companies. Starting in their second year, students can switch to an individualized curriculum to combine work with their studies. Collaborations have also been established with leading specialized universities, including the Moscow State Technological University "Stankin," the Moscow Automobile and Road Construction State Technical University, the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, and the National Research University "MPEI."
For example, Ilya Kostin, a fifth-year student majoring in automotive and tractor engineering, successfully combines his studies with his job as an auto mechanic at a major automotive holding company. His responsibilities include suspension diagnostics, checking the serviceability of components and assemblies, and replacing worn parts. Management trusts Ilya Kostin to independently diagnose faults and prepare new vehicles for sale.
"I got a job in my third year, right after my internship. From my first days at college, I attended the "Auto Mechanic" engine club, and along the way, I learned metalworking and welding. These skills are very helpful now. It was studying at the I.A. Likhachev Moscow Technological College that helped me become a sought-after specialist," shared Ilya Kostin.
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From internship to employment
If industry and transport are the classics of secondary vocational education, then Technological College No. 21The university focuses on creative industries: graphic design, advertising, design (by industry), and social and cultural activities. Interest in these fields is growing in the city: in 2025, 174 students were admitted to the graphic design program, 51 to the design program, 46 to the social and cultural activities program, and 31 to the advertising program. All of them received state-funded places.
"We've implemented a multi-specialty approach. For example, future designers gain project management and client service skills, while advertising specialists gain digital communications competencies. Each student develops a portfolio of real-world case studies, making them competitive in the job market," explained German Gavrilov, Director of Technological College No. 21.
The college's Career Center actively collaborates with leading Moscow companies. During their internships there, students have the opportunity to participate in real-world projects.
This was the case with Victoria Chernova, a third-year graphic design student. She completed one of her first serious projects while still studying for a Moscow-based metro: She created a merch concept and a series of characters representing metro lines. These formed the basis for a clothing collection and a board game. Following this project, the student was offered an internship and then a job. Today, she is a graphic designer for the Moscow Metro and continues to create visual solutions for urban projects.
"When I entered college, I simply loved drawing and working with graphics. Even during my studies, it became clear that design isn't just about beauty, but also about ideas, meaning, and real-world projects. When I began collaborating with the metro, I never imagined that a student project could develop into an internship and then a full-time job. Now I understand: it all started in college—with case studies, practical training, and professors who believed in us," Victoria Chernova shares her achievements.
The schedule of open days at capital colleges is published on the website Moscow Center for the Development of Professional Education.
Detailed information about the specialties taught at the capital's colleges is available in the "Colleges" section of the portal."School. Moscow", in the Telegram channelMoscow Colleges and the community of the same name on the social network VKontakte.
Students' practical classes take place in modern workshops and laboratories, which corresponds to the objectives of the "Professionalism" project and the national project Youth and ChildrenMore information about Russia's national projects and the capital's contribution can be found atspecial page.
Specialties in the creative industries have become among the most popular among applicants to Moscow colleges.Moscow students will receive in-demand specialties at new flagship collegesFrom printing to souvenirs: students from a capital college have developed products for museums, theaters, and businesses.
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