At Metinvest Polytechnic Technical University, Teacher’s Day is celebrated not only with words of gratitude but also through stories about engineers in the making. The lecturers help students design, model, and implement solutions in practice – from initial technical calculations to interactive 3D layouts of mining enterprises and digital models of production processes. These are stories about those who are shaping the professional and innovative future of Ukrainian engineering.
Today, engineering studies extend well past abstract theories. Authentic education encompasses practical application, active communication, tackling issues, and understanding one's personal input into outcomes. Metinvest Polytechnic's lecturers do more than just deliver facts; they assist students in fostering critical thought, putting principles into action, and appreciating how valuable their proficiency is within genuine industrial operations and the advancement of Ukraine's economy.
Practice from the First Year
At Metinvest Polytechnic, hands-on experience is essential for an engineering education, with students applying classroom knowledge at Metinvest's industrial facilities like Zaporizhstal, Kametstal, and the Kryvyi Rih mining and processing plants. Anastasiia TRUSOVA, Head of the Student Council, shared that she gained significant practical skills in her first year, working with economic models, analyzing actual data, and developing business solutions, which demonstrated that education could be both interesting and effective, yielding tangible results and genuine experience. The lecturers showed us that learning can be both engaging and useful. They taught us to see results and gain real experience." This method ensures students not only grasp theoretical concepts but also immediately implement them in production, thereby equipping future engineers to handle the practical demands of their careers.
"The Best Tool Is Your Mind”
Student Oleksii KRAVCHENKO recounts a valuable lesson from his school days that reshaped his approach to work and motivated him to pursue an engineering degree at Metinvest Polytechnic: According to Oleksii, his school shop teacher consistently emphasized that one's mind is the most effective tool. Instead of providing pre-designed blueprints for projects like building a birdhouse, the teacher required them to determine the dimensions independently. This approach fostered critical thinking and foresight, and observing birds inhabit their self-built birdhouses filled them with genuine pride. Oleksii understood that true craftsmanship extends beyond mere technical proficiency to encompass a broader understanding of the overall context. This experience marked Oleksii's initial foray into cultivating an engineer's mindset, a development he is actively advancing at the technical university.
From Theory to Life Safety Practices
Anastasiia UDOVYTSKA, a student, chose occupational safety and emphasizes the practical application of her studies. "I realized during my studies that our teachers didn't just teach us theories; they showed us how to use them in real life. The occupational safety skills I gained are super useful in my engineering job now, and I can actually see them making a difference in people's safety. The guidance and constant support from our lecturers, who helped us find solutions to challenging problems, were particularly beneficial. This fosters my motivation for ongoing professional development, pride in my work, and appreciation for all experience. Furthermore, by incorporating real-world production scenarios, our teachers ensure that occupational safety programs transcend abstract learning to become a meaningful contributor to people’s lives and well-being.
Science and Creativity
Mine surveying, a field integrating technical accuracy and analytical thought, contributes directly to industrial recovery. For Metinvest Polytechnic student Ihor KYRYCHENKO, this career path is deeply rooted in his family's history, not a mere arbitrary choice. He shares his collaborative journey with academic advisor Hanna Brui, a lecturer in the Department of Mining: “She motivates, inspires, guides, and advises", all this perfectly describes Hanna Valeriivna. Her extensive experience was crucial in bringing to life their interactive 3D plan for mining enterprises and urban development, and her motto, 'Do more and do better!', has become my own life principle as well.” Ihor has participated in many scientific conferences, joined the victorious Factory Games team, and is still advancing his career. His journey shows that modern science flourishes when lecturer and students collaborate as research partners.
Mentors Who Open New Worlds
Pavlo PODOPRYHORA, a second-year student, shared his appreciation for several Metinvest Polytechnic lecturers who significantly influenced his development, stating: "I am truly thankful for the wisdom, patience, and expertise of these individuals. Olha Orlinska demonstrated that underground geology can be as captivating as what's above ground. Nataliia Kaidan's instruction in professional Excel usage made me question the need for a calculator, as the program revealed new possibilities for efficient calculations and data management. Serhii Dobriak, a lecturer, taught me professional AutoCAD software, illustrating how technology can realize ambitious engineering concepts and demonstrated technology's role in making dreams come true. Furthermore, English teacher Oksana Burkovska assisted me in overcoming my language difficulties. Each of them has contributed to my education. Lecturers are those who inspire us and help us evolve into better individuals. His story is an example of how the multifaceted nature of teaching shapes true engineers of a new generation.
Dialogue Instead of Monologue
Student Kateryna MIZINA underscores the importance of lecturers listening to students" At Metinvest Polytechnic, classes are conducted as discussions, fostering an environment where students can freely voice their perspectives, seek solutions, and find answers. This approach invigorates university studies and improves the retention of learned information". This educational strategy is consistent with contemporary teaching practices, as it cultivates soft skills, encourages critical thinking, and strengthens teamwork competencies.
The stories of Metinvest Polytechnic students prove that the power of a lecturer lies not only in knowledge but also in the ability to inspire. At Metinvest Polytechnic, this tradition is combined with modern educational practices – hands-on learning, digital tools, and research projects. In this way, a new generation of engineers is being developed, ready to reshape Ukraine.
