A week at the production site gave the students of Metinvest Polytechnic Technical University an opportunity to see engineering as it truly is – with real tasks, work under pressure, and technologies that ensure the stability of a steelmaking enterprise every day. Practical case studies, a focus on energy efficiency, workshops, and working alongside Kamet Steel engineers enabled the students to experience modern industry from within and to try themselves in the role of professionals who shape it every day.
Students enrolled in the educational programmes ‘Engineering of Power Supply and Electromechanical Systems in Metallurgy and Mining’ and ‘Energy-Efficient Technologies in Power Supply Systems for Mining and Metallurgical Enterprises’ took part in the practical training. Throughout the week, they explored the operation of the plant’s electrical networks, carried out diagnostics of transformer substations, tested electric machines, worked with high-voltage equipment, and completed tasks that Kamet Steel engineers tackle on a daily basis. For many, this was their first experience of seeing theoretical formulas from the classroom finally integrated into real processes on the shop floor.
Oleksii Vereshchak, Head of the Electrical and Power Equipment Operation Department of Chief Power Engineer Office of Kamet Steel, stated that the visit of Metinvest Polytechnic students was not merely a formal event but an exceptionally promising and important meeting for the enterprise. The future of the metallurgical industry depends on how well specialists are trained – in this case, the future electricians: "Our aim was to demonstrate how the enterprise’s electrical service is organised – from the arrangement of personnel work to the technical specifics of equipment, both time-tested and state-of-the-art. Special attention was given to the issue of energy security – we explained how, in these challenging times, despite nationwide blackouts, we continue operating and producing goods."
The representative of Kamet Steel also emphasised the high level of engagement and the professional questions raised by the students. This demonstrates that Metinvest Polytechnic’s educational programme is closely aligned with the needs of modern industry. “We are genuinely interested in ensuring that these students join us after completing their studies. We are ready to become their mentors, provide a platform for implementing their ideas, and ensure a worthy start to their careers. Such meetings help us build a strong bridge between education and production, which is critically important for the recovery and development of Ukrainian metallurgy," added Oleksii Vereshchak.
A dedicated section of the practical training focused on energy efficiency – an area that is critically important for industry today. The students analysed the electricity consumption of process plants, studied the operating modes of units, familiarised themselves with energy management systems, and learned how the enterprise optimises its costs. No less attention was devoted to safety: The future engineers practised procedures for working with high-voltage equipment, learned to assess risks, and checked protection systems.
Mykhailo Voronin, a student and an electrician responsible for the repair and maintenance of electrical equipment in the BOF shop at Kamet Steel, shared his impressions:
"Thanks to the well-organised offline session programme, I learned a great deal of new and useful information, even though I was at my home enterprise. In particular, it offered a fresh perspective on colleagues’ work and a hands-on introduction to electrical equipment in the power shops. It was also gratifying to observe the impressions of the session participants in my BOF shop, where extensive modernisation – primarily of electrical equipment – was carried out this year. I believe I have achieved the objective of my participation in the offline session. First and foremost, I have practically reinforced the theoretical knowledge previously acquired during the lectures. And most importantly – active interaction with fellow students from other enterprises. It was an exchange of experience, knowledge, and certain professional insights that can be effectively applied in everyday work."
Alina Melnychuk, a Master’s student who combines her higher education studies with her role as a power engineer at Zaporizhzhia Refractories, added:
"My greatest impression is related to the modernisation of the enterprise’s electrical facilities. I have not been working in the energy sector for long – less than a year – so automation and digitalisation in electrical facilities are entirely new to me. The efforts aimed at enhancing energy security are truly impressive, as they enable the enterprise to remain operational under wartime risks. It is particularly important to become acquainted with the latest state-of-the-art equipment, including the first gas-piston power station among the enterprises of Metinvest Group. Therefore, participation in the offline session was, above all, an opportunity for me to exchange experience, as well as theoretical and practical knowledge on energy efficiency and energy security, which I will be able to propose and apply in my work at my enterprise."
This format of practical training is one of the core principles of learning at Metinvest Polytechnic: modern technical programmes, real production sites, and working alongside engineers who are shaping metallurgy today. This enables students not only to acquire professional skills but also to understand what their future work will look like, the responsibilities it entails, and the technologies shaping next-generation industry.
