The future of Ukrainian industry will be shaped by people. That is why one of the key strategic priorities for business today is developing a new generation of engineers, managers, researchers and industrial leaders. Where is this generation being formed? How can universities, business and industry work together to prepare those who will drive the sector's development over the next 10-20 years?
These questions formed the basis of the main discussion at this year's Coffee with the Rector event, held under the theme "The Next 20 Years: Who Will Shape Metinvest's Future?"
The event brought together active students and alumni of Metinvest Polytechnic, the university's leadership, and representatives of Metinvest Group in Kyiv. Participants included Rector Oleksandr Povazhnyi, Metinvest's Chief Sustainability Officer Tetiana Petruk, CEO Advisor at Metinvest Group Dmytro Teveliev, as well as university graduates currently working at Metinvest Sichsteel, Zaporizhstal, Kamet Steel, and Metinvest Iron Ore Plants in Kryvyi Rih.
The meeting followed an open, informal format, with no official speeches or rigid agenda – just an honest conversation about the future of industry, education, science and the company itself.
University where the future takes shape
Opening the event, Metinvest Polytechnic Rector Oleksandr POVAZHNYI emphasised that the university's mission today extends far beyond educating specialists.
"The future belongs to you. Today, a new generation is taking shape – one that will determine the future of our company and Ukrainian industry for decades to come. Our task is not only to provide modern knowledge but also to create an environment where professional networks, teamwork, responsibility and leadership can flourish. That is why meetings like this are so valuable. We are building a community that continues long after graduation," the Rector said.
He stressed that Metinvest Polytechnic is not simply a university, but a platform bringing together students, graduates, academics, researchers and employers around a shared goal: developing people capable of meeting the challenges of modern industry.
People remain the greatest asset
Continuing the discussion, Metinvest's Chief Sustainability Officer Tetiana PETRUK highlighted that, regardless of the pace of technological change, people remain every company's greatest asset and competitive advantage.
"Today we speak a great deal about digitalisation, automation and artificial intelligence. Yet at the heart of every process remains the human being. People create technologies, modernise production, make decisions and shape the future of business. That is why supporting and developing our people is a strategic priority for us," she said.
According to Tetiana Petruk, the company continuously improves its approach to employee development and remains open to new ideas.
"We are always ready to hear new proposals, experiment and find better ways to support and develop our people. At the same time, personal motivation remains the most important factor. If someone is eager to learn, grow and build a career, the company is ready to create every opportunity for them," she added.
From the classroom to the production site
One of the central topics of the meeting was the professional journey of Metinvest Polytechnic students and graduates. Participants discussed balancing studies with work, taking their first career steps and adapting to work at Metinvest Group enterprises.
Students noted that the university's flexible learning model enables them to work in their chosen profession while studying, apply their knowledge in practice and gain valuable industrial experience. Graduates now employed across Metinvest Group said that earning a university degree had become a crucial milestone in their professional development. Their studies helped them structure their practical experience, gain a deeper understanding of production processes, master modern management and engineering approaches, and unlock new career opportunities within the company.
One of the key outcomes of the discussion was a proposal to establish a structured mentoring programme in which Metinvest Polytechnic alumni would support students and young professionals throughout their career development, sharing practical experience and helping them better understand industrial operations while still at university.
Another important initiative focused on strengthening cooperation between the ALUMNI MIP Alumni Association and Metinvest Group's HR function. Such collaboration will help build a strong talent pool, expand mentoring, support young professionals and create transparent career pathways – from the lecture rooms to leadership positions within the company.
From education to innovation
Participants also devoted significant attention to developing research as an integral part of modern technical education. Several proposals were put forward, including dedicated grant programmes for students and graduates working on promising engineering and scientific projects. The discussion also highlighted the importance of creating more opportunities for young innovators to present their ideas directly to business and industry representatives.
In practice, Metinvest Polytechnic students and graduates are gaining access to a unique platform in Ukraine where promising engineering solutions and graduation projects can progress from the university classroom to real industrial implementation. This approach reflects global trends in technical education. The world's leading technical universities no longer focus solely on educating future professionals. They increasingly serve as research and development centres for industry, helping companies improve efficiency, introduce innovation and solve complex technological challenges.
Metinvest Polytechnic is developing according to this very model. The university continues to strengthen its role as an R&D partner for industry by creating an environment where education, science and production work towards shared goals. One of the key milestones has been the establishment of the Research Council, bringing together university experts and representatives of industrial enterprises to work jointly on real production challenges. One of the Council's leaders is Dmytro Teveliev, Advisor to the CEO of Metinvest Group.
For students and graduates, this means more than simply acquiring knowledge. It offers opportunities to contribute to technological innovation, present their own research proposals, work on pressing industrial challenges and see their ideas implemented in real production.
A community that continues beyond graduation
The meeting also highlighted the importance of developing the university's alumni community. A modern university is not merely a place where people earn qualifications – it is an environment that continues to unite professionals throughout their careers.
Denys Kononiuk, Chair of the ALUMNI MIP Alumni Association and an employee of Metinvest Sichsteel, emphasised that a university's true value lies not only in the quality of its academic programmes but also in the strength of the professional community it creates.
"A strong university is measured not only by the quality of its education but also by how active its community remains after graduation. It is important to us that graduates maintain strong connections with one another, with current students and with the university itself. That is why ALUMNI MIP is much more than an alumni association – it is a platform for mentoring, professional development, knowledge sharing and new opportunities. When graduates support students and business becomes part of this collaboration, everyone benefits: the university, the company and Ukrainian industry as a whole," said Denys KONONIUK.
The Coffee with the Rector meeting once again reinforced the central message shared by all participants: the future of Ukrainian industry will be created by people. Investing in education, talent development, research and professional communities today is an investment in the country's competitiveness tomorrow.
Metinvest Polytechnic continues to develop precisely this model by bringing together education, science, industry and a strong community of students and graduates. After all, a university is more than a place to earn a degree. It is an environment where a new generation of engineers, researchers, managers and leaders is formed – people who will shape the future of Ukrainian industry for decades to come.
