On October 11, 21 students from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) of the School of Engineering and Digital Sciences (NU SEDS) at Nazarbayev University participated in an enriching industry visit to Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering (KPE) LLP, the largest company in Central Asia producing advanced armored wheeled vehicles.
Led by Professor Essam Shehab, Chair of the MAE department, the students explored the entire manufacturing process, from working with sheet metals to producing state-of-the-art armored vehicles. “Our students witnessed the complete journey—from metal cutting and bending to bulletproof testing and assembly,” said Shehab. "This hands-on experience enhances their classroom learning and gives them real-world insight into the manufacturing industry."
The visit showcased innovative technologies that closely align with SEDS' curriculum. "Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering's expertise in product design, manufacturing technologies, and materials engineering complements the subjects our students’ study," added Professor Essam Shehab. He stressed the importance of continued industry collaborations, with future visits planned to companies such as Air Astana and local power plants.
Aibol Kalabay, an undergraduate Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering student and President of the NU IMechE Student Chapter, highlighted the significance of seeing the assembly process up close. “The most fascinating part was observing the integration of electronics into the vehicles, transforming them from simple machines into smart combat systems,” said Aibol. "The technologies involved in creating the Alan 2 machine, for example, are at the forefront of military innovation."
Aidos also noted how industry visits like this shape students' career perspectives. "These visits help students envision their future careers by giving them a chance to see what professionals in their field actually do. It allows us to better understand the industries where we might work after graduation," he said, referencing his own peers who have already started working with leading companies like Alstom.
As President of the NU IMechE Student Chapter, Kalabay emphasized the broader benefits these visits offer to the student community. "Our chapter connects students with the industry, helping us understand career opportunities and preparing us for the professional world. We have more visits lined up, including one to the Alstom facility on October 17, and we're organizing the 'Mechaton' case championship next year, which offers students internships with companies like Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering."
The visit to "Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering" LLP in Astana was a key step in bridging the gap between academic learning and practical industry experience, providing future engineers with a clearer vision of their career paths.
Led by Professor Essam Shehab, Chair of the MAE department, the students explored the entire manufacturing process, from working with sheet metals to producing state-of-the-art armored vehicles. “Our students witnessed the complete journey—from metal cutting and bending to bulletproof testing and assembly,” said Shehab. "This hands-on experience enhances their classroom learning and gives them real-world insight into the manufacturing industry."
The visit showcased innovative technologies that closely align with SEDS' curriculum. "Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering's expertise in product design, manufacturing technologies, and materials engineering complements the subjects our students’ study," added Professor Essam Shehab. He stressed the importance of continued industry collaborations, with future visits planned to companies such as Air Astana and local power plants.
Aibol Kalabay, an undergraduate Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering student and President of the NU IMechE Student Chapter, highlighted the significance of seeing the assembly process up close. “The most fascinating part was observing the integration of electronics into the vehicles, transforming them from simple machines into smart combat systems,” said Aibol. "The technologies involved in creating the Alan 2 machine, for example, are at the forefront of military innovation."
Aidos also noted how industry visits like this shape students' career perspectives. "These visits help students envision their future careers by giving them a chance to see what professionals in their field actually do. It allows us to better understand the industries where we might work after graduation," he said, referencing his own peers who have already started working with leading companies like Alstom.
As President of the NU IMechE Student Chapter, Kalabay emphasized the broader benefits these visits offer to the student community. "Our chapter connects students with the industry, helping us understand career opportunities and preparing us for the professional world. We have more visits lined up, including one to the Alstom facility on October 17, and we're organizing the 'Mechaton' case championship next year, which offers students internships with companies like Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering."
The visit to "Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering" LLP in Astana was a key step in bridging the gap between academic learning and practical industry experience, providing future engineers with a clearer vision of their career paths.