— How will the Synergy Retraining Center help combat structural unemployment?
— Structural unemployment has emerged in the Russian market. On one side there are labor resources, and on the other, a shortage of specialists in high-demand fields. Many experts left the country last year. Synergy faces the same challenge: positions remain unfilled because applicants lack specific experience or because certain specialties are not yet taught in universities. The number of such in-demand yet sparsely taught professions is expected to grow in coming years.
As a company, Synergy does not wait for problems to resolve themselves. It takes action. A year ago the Retraining Center began testing a country-specific model. The author first encountered this model while researching a university thesis on investing in human capital. That research led to the discovery of an educational concept known as Income Share Agreements, or ISA. In English, revenue sharing is the idea; in practice, the meaning is simple: learn now, pay later.
The uniqueness lies in training a person for a new profession without immediate payment. Payment to the institution occurs only after the graduate secures a job. The agreement specifies a fixed percentage of future earnings and a defined period for repayment. Importantly, this is not a loan; the graduate never pays more than the training cost.
This format resonates with many in the country, where money is often the primary obstacle to retraining. High-quality courses carry significant price tags, and many people resort to credit. That can strain families and spur social tensions. With many households already facing rising debt, Synergy explored an alternative: a repayment plan funded by the educational institution that can be repaid from salary. The team decided to observe how well this model would take root locally.
During the pilot year, students explored today’s most in-demand professions by selecting paths in collaboration with employers and earned state-issued diplomas. Graduates were already employed, and the team concluded that the model functions in this context. While there are many nuances, the belief is strong that this education approach can work in the country as well. As a result, the Retraining Center officially opened, and recruitment for training began. Synergy set an ambitious goal: retrain 10 million people by 2030. When considering structural unemployment and retraining demand, that target seems attainable.
— Who can participate in the center’s programs?
— The program targets professionals who have reached a salary ceiling or whose careers have stalled or ended. For instance, lawyers and engineers in fields such as unmanned and autonomous transport are among those who can transition to new roles. The broader career landscape is undergoing a major shift, with tectonic changes expected over the next three, five, or ten years. Preparation for this shift is essential.
— Which occupations can be pursued within the Learn Now, Pay Later Synergy program?
— The initiative emphasizes digital careers, including data analysis and programming. Beyond software development, there are 28 courses spanning design, e-commerce, online marketing, and human resources management. The program aims to help applicants choose the path that best fits their strengths, assist them in finding a job, and cover education expenses.
— Where can a student seek help if burnout occurs during study or job search?
— The agreement provides a long training period without upfront financial obligations. Students also receive ongoing support from Synergy staff at every stage. Support levels include a curator to resolve technical issues, teachers who review assignments, and a career counselor who guides students from six months of training through job adaptation.
— Students undertake a dedicated career development course with homework reviewed by counselors. All counselors hold certificates from international career associations and bring experience from international companies, offering guidance on career paths.
— How many people have already participated in Synergy’s new model?
— Since the program began, around 10,000 individuals have registered for Learn Now, Pay Later. Most graduates secured employment about one and a half to two months after finishing training, which contrasts with the national average of about seven months. Some participants, already employed, sought a degree rather than a new job. Approximately 1,350 learners are currently paying tuition while contributing 15 percent of their monthly salaries.
— How does Synergy’s recruitment agency contribute to the Retraining Center?
— The recruitment agency acts as a primary partner, funneling employers, vacancies, and trainees into a unified labor market platform. It streamlines hiring by providing a curated pool of trained candidates. Businesses approach Synergy when they face shortages. For example, the Retraining Center completed a 40-position project for marketplace managers with a satisfied client. A recent agreement with Globus IT places trained programmers into paid internships with the option to hire them later. In total, there are about 170 partner companies.
— How does Synergy differ from other training models?
— Unlike programs that focus on narrow training, Synergy positions itself as a career and education platform with a single entry point for employers, employees, and learners. Graduates can update their resumes and remain on the platform for ongoing support, even after training is paid for. The center maintains unlimited access, ensuring lifelong career development.
— How could the new Synergy program reshape employment in Russia?
— The program could transform how education is financed by moving away from bank loans toward a model that links outcomes to readiness and demand. The shift is expected to boost competition in the education market and compel providers to explore fresh customer engagement strategies. Consumers stand to gain from broader access to high-quality education. The initiative is still in early stages, but the potential is promising and aligns with evolving labor market needs.