Interviewed Kern Von Hagen, Talent Pipeline Manager of Oyu Tolgoi.
You were recently given an honorary award: 'Leading Specialist of the Labor and Employment Sector', by Ya.Sanjmyatav, the Labor Minister. Congratulations. Why were you given the award?
I was very excited to receive this prestigious award from the Mongolian government. I never imagined that I would be receiving such an award. This is a result of our close cooperation with the Mongolian government and the Labor Ministry. This means the effort of our team is appreciated and recognised. I’m very thankful for the contribution of our team to the development of the Mongolian education sector, particularly towards the training of Mongolian youth.
Is your team large? Does your team include many Mongolians?
All our team members are Mongolian. Our team is comprised of 10 young people who are very passionate about what they do and are full of enthusiasm.
What are the functions of your team?
Our team is in charge of organising vocational training, providing training equipment and implementing scholarship programmes throughout Mongolia. We are very satisfied that we are conducting international standard training. Our objective is to improve the knowledge and skills of Oyu Tolgoi employees and contribute to the development of a qualified workforce in Mongolia.
How many qualified workers have Oyu Tolgoi trained so far?
We are training our qualified workers in about 50 vocational training centers. We are also constructing three new vocational schools and upgrading four vocational centers. Over the last two years, we have trained over 10,000 qualified workers. In addition to this, we have also trained over 600 qualified vocational teachers.
This investment is financed by Oyu Tolgoi. If you express all this in monetary terms, what is the cost of this investment?
In accordance with the agreement between Oyu Tolgoi and the government, we will spend US$126 million on vocational educational programmes over the next 5 years. From this, US$87 million dollars will be spent on the purchase of vocational education equipment. Our team conducts English language training in addition to vocational training. We have conducted English language training in Manlai, Bayan-Ovoo, Dalanzadgad and Khanbogd soums of the South Gobi province and recently celebrated with a graduation ceremony. It is exciting that people who did not know English previously are learning English now. People with various education and skills are likely to contribute to the development of the country.
How well do Mongolians learn new skills and knowledge?
Mongolians take great effort to learn and specialise. They learn things easily. They definitely have an advantage to learn skills and knowledge of international standard. The foundation of Mongolian development is the improvement of its educational sector. Oyu Tolgoi is making an effort to contribute to this goal. The government also understands that specialists should be trained well and they are cooperating with us effectively. Results will be achieved through this cooperation.
What incentives and conditions will Oyu Tolgoi provide for Mongolians studying in vocational training centers?
Let me tell you one example. One hundred and twenty eight Mongolians are studying at the School of Technology in Orkhon aimag under the Oyu Tolgoi scholarship. They are studying theory at the school and receive practical training at the State owned concentrator “Erdenet”. Our company is providing these students with an allowance over the four-year study period, their training tuition, dormitory accommodation and travel expenses to visit their home twice a year. Their trainers are also paid for by our company.
Is there a guarantee that graduates of the vocational schools will be employed by Oyu Tolgoi?|
Oyu Tolgoi would not be training 128 people for 4 years if they were not going to employ them. Oyu Tolgoi will make every endeavor to employ most of the graduates. However employment will not be a big concern for our students, they will have work skills and knowledge not only appealing to Oyu Tolgoi, but also other companies.
You said Oyu Tolgoi has trained about 10,000 people over the last two years. How many of these people are working at Oyu Tolgoi now?
About 300 graduating students are working in South Gobi province alone. I’m confident that many other graduates are working in other provinces.
You are a Canadian. Do you think Canada and Mongolia have a similar natural environment and climate?
Yes, of course. Our two countries have similar natural environments and climates. For example, we both have snow until late May and both have a large land area. In Mongolia, one can feel all four seasons of a year in one day. Because of these similarities, I feel like at home in Mongolia.
How long have you been in Mongolia?
I came to Mongolia about six months ago. I have a two year contract. Since coming here we have accomplished a lot. Our work is making progress and still there is much work to do. Therefore, hopefully, my contract will be extended. Then, I will stay an additional six months in your country. You’ve been in
Mongolia for some time. During this period, you’ve probably become acquainted with Mongolia to some extent?
I have visited quite a few soums of Darkhan-Uul, Orkhon and Umnugobi aimags. Actually I have visited quite a few places in Mongolia. This summer I plan to visit Lake Khovsgol and the Gobi desert to see the pristine natural environment. Mongolia has many interesting things to see. Mongolians have the right to be proud of being born in such wonderful land.
Can you introduce your family?
My wife is living here with me and we have a son and a daughter who live in Canada. They came to visit us in Mongolia recently. Of course, we are their parents, so, we always stay in touch and take care of them. My father is 83 years old. The mother of my wife is also 83 years old. They all live in Canada. We are concerned that we are not there with them and taking care of them.
What are your work experience, education and background? Have you worked in other countries apart from Mongolia?
I have worked in the education sector for almost 30 years. I have taught for many years and also worked in management. I have two academic degrees and a PhD. I’ve spent many years of my life in the cold areas of northern Canada. Before coming to Mongolia, I spent some years working in South Africa.
What is your impression of working with Mongolians?
It is very inspiring to work with Mongolians. Mongolians are very friendly and helpful people who have an enthusiasm for learning. They are learning from us and I’m also learning a lot from them. With this kind of mutual trust, our work produces results. Actually, Mongolians are very good at working with foreigners. I think Mongolian schools are good in providing theoretical knowledge, however they provide insufficient practical training.
How you describe yourself in a few words?
A learner who never stops
By B.Batbileg
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