The story of Zaporizhstal employee Andriy Shkolnyi is an example of how the combination of industrial experience and modern education opens up new opportunities for professional growth – from the first internship to the engineering position and beyond.
Andriy SHKOLNYI came to Zaporizhstal in 2023 as a college student – for internship in the sinter shop. After completing the internship, Andriy began his career as an electrical fitter and in a year and a half of work managed not only to adapt to production, but also to take the next step in professional development.
"I worked in the sinter shop for a year and a half. I was offered a job as an electrical engineer in the service of the chief power engineer. And I was very interested in this offer, because these are new opportunities, interesting work – and I did not hesitate to choose it," says Andriy.
Along with new professional challenges, there is also an understanding that systematic education is needed for further development. So he entered Metinvest Polytechnic University with a major in Automation, Computer-Integrated Technologies and Robotic Systems.
"Automation is important today. All enterprises strive to automate their processes, and our plant is no exception. Therefore, this is a very interesting and promising major," he explains his choice.
Andriy manages to combine work at the plant and study without difficulty: the educational process is organized flexibly, lectures are available online and in recording, and teachers are always open to communication. This format allows you not to fall out of production and at the same time acquire up-to-date knowledge.
Metinvest Polytechnic relies on practice and close connection with the real sector of the economy. Students work with enterprise cases, undergo internship in production and gain experience during their studies.
"In addition to classical theoretical training, students receive a solid practical base. The university has created all the conditions for this, as well as formed career routes at Metinvest's enterprises. For employees of Metinvest enterprises, the education is free, scholarships for academic success are provided, and educational programmes cover both classical metallurgical areas and modern ones – automation, IT, energy, economics and management," says Eduard GRIBKOV, Head of the Chair of Metallurgy and Innovative Technologies of Metinvest Polytechnic.
It is according to this combination of practical experience and modern education that Andriy Shkolnyi builds his professional trajectory. He is convinced that this allows you not only to feel confident in the profession, but also to plan further career development.
Currently, Andriy holds the position of an UPS electrical engineer and, together with his colleagues, is engaged in planning electricity volumes, supporting repairs of electrical equipment, checking structural units for compliance with the rules for the operation of electrical installations, etc.
"I want to develop professionally on my position and become a highly qualified specialist. And I am sure that education at Metinvest Polytechnic will help me achieve this," he says.
