ON THE HISTORY OF COMMERCIAL EDUCATION IN PERM
Russia's entry onto the path of modernisationand capitalist development at the turn of the 19th-20th centuries led to qualitative changes not only in the economy, but also in public and social life. The economic importance and social role of the merchant class had been growing, entrepreneurs had contributed to the economic progress and development of productive forces. Businesses were interested in competent staff but there was asevere shortage of technical and commercial specialists. Hence their interest in the development of commercial education and charitable contributions to professional schools, colleges and courses. Many commercial educational institutions, generously financed from private funds, but under state care, were established. Such institutions functionedunder the authority of the Ministry of Industry and Trade. They enjoyed the right to autonomy and self-governance within the scope of their charter and were leaded by boards of trustees, usually respected business people. Commercial schools had excellent facilities and formed their curriculum in accordance with the local industry and trade demand.