According to the public relations office of the university, as reported by ISNA, the president of Qom University of Technology stated: Attention to technical, engineering, and mathematical fields has diminished, which could cause significant harm to the country and lead to future concerns.
Jalal Rezaei Noor met and discussed with reporters from ISNA during his visit to the news agency.
In this meeting, while commemorating Government Week, he mentioned: Qom University of Technology was established in 2008 with two majors, Computer Engineering and Industrial Engineering, and currently offers 26 programs at various levels of bachelor's, master's, and doctorate, providing services in general engineering, technical, and basic sciences.
He noted that two thousand students are enrolled at this university and stated: Qom University of Technology has achieved significant accomplishments over these 14 years and ranks among the top 15 industrial universities in the country out of 30 industrial universities.
He continued: We have 70 faculty members and 100 adjunct instructors collaborating with us in three faculties: Engineering and Technology, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and Mechanical Engineering.
He stated that most graduates of Qom University of Technology have been absorbed into the job market, which is a great honor for this university and Qom province, emphasizing: In 2020, Qom University of Technology achieved the first place in national employment with an employment rate of 82.41% and in 2021 it ranked second after Khatam Al-Anbia University with a slight difference.
The president of Qom University of Technology mentioned that we have also achieved the 13th rank among universities in conducting skill training courses, adding: Holding skill training courses and enhancing the technical and skills capabilities of students play a major role in their employment.
He explained: Each academic group at the university has a scientific association that identifies and assesses the specialized training needs of students, and with the help of other institutions and organizations like the Technical and Vocational Organization, Academic Jihad, etc., they organize skill training courses.
He identified the implementation of the Industrial Companion Project as another factor in the employment of students at this university, saying: In the Industrial Companion Project, which has been running at this university since 2017, students who are about to start internships form a four-member group under the supervision and consultation of one of the faculty members.
The president of Qom University of Technology added: These groups are introduced to industrial units in the province, and after field assessments, they identify the issues faced by the respective units and provide appropriate solutions. The concerned industrial unit then decides whether to resolve the issue with this group or through outsourcing.
Rezaei Noor continued: This project not only brought a positive outlook for Qom University of Technology but also revealed the potential of students, leading many students to work at the same industrial unit.
He stated that in recent years, there has been an engineering and specialized skills shortage, which is more acute in basic sciences, mentioning: With the increasing popularity of medical, legal, and art fields, unfortunately, there has been a decline in attention to technical, engineering, and mathematical fields, which could cause significant harm to the country and lead to future concerns.
The president of Qom University of Technology noted that given the proximity to Tehran, there is a favorable outlook towards the university and we have no vacant seats. He continued: One reason for the high employment of graduates and students is the reduced number of specialists in this field, which has led industries to also welcome students and even offer them scholarships.
He stated that for attention to technical and engineering fields, there needs to be a movement and initiative at the national level; because these fields are foundational and instrumental in other disciplines, he said: In the meetings we had with the Ministry of Education, we highlighted this issue to ensure it is diagnosed properly and a solution is devised.
Rezaei Noor mentioned the rising interest among individuals towards skill training courses and educational programs, expressing: Just as society needs doctors, it also requires faculty members, engineers, and specialized workers, and the university cannot supply all these, necessitating cooperation.
The president of Qom University of Technology added: The employment of students and the demand from industry have motivated us to work more vigorously, and we are striving to enhance the skills of students so they can enter the job market successfully and skillfully.
He noted that before the sanctions, there was a disconnect between universities and industries, but after the escalation of sanctions, the industry had to rely on universities, and in recent years, the volume of contracts between industry and universities has significantly increased. For example, we have executed multiple projects with Pakshoma Company and the Narvari Medical Center of Academic Jihad.
Rezaei Noor pointed to the emigration of students and graduates and the recruitment of personnel from the Middle East for their expertise, stating: Income disparity, attention to personnel, scholarships, and resolving concerns about work and life are among the reasons for migration.
He mentioned that significant actions have been undertaken at the Elite Foundation; however, the scope of this work needs to be expanded, emphasizing: The income levels of specialists must be reviewed and corrected, as sometimes the income level of a specialist is equal to that of a technician, which diminishes motivation.
The president of Qom University of Technology remarked that some specialists prefer to work in ride-hailing services because the income is commensurate and they have more freedom and time, stressing: If the income issue is not addressed, migration will continue.
He pointed out that many activities have been carried out to encourage the return of elites and notable successes have also been achieved; however, these efforts need to be more profound, adding: There exists a desire and pull toward home in everyone, but motivation must also be instilled.
The president of Qom University of Technology reminded: Although many negative reports about Iran are published, there is a good trend of progress and a promising outlook.
