Development of vocational education in the YASSR in the second half of the 1960s – first half of the 1980s

The development of vocational and technical education in the Yakut Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic (ASSR) during the late 1960s to early 1980s is a pertinent subject for study within the context of accelerated industrialization and the shortage of local qualified personnel during this period. The novelty of this research lies in the utilization of underexplored archival materials, which illuminate how the establishment of a separate republican administration in 1964 marked a pivotal moment for the expansion of vocational technical schools and increasing their role in the regional economy. This article addresses issues related to collaboration with enterprises, the formation of educational and production bases, and the engagement of youth, including young women, in obtaining vocational and technical education. An analysis of school reports and official statistics reveals patterns and characteristics in the development of the vocational and technical education system in Yakutia, as well as the factors that hindered its modernization and growth. Through this examination, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of the socio-economic dynamics of the Yakut ASSR and the critical role of vocational education in addressing the demands of a rapidly industrializing society.