Ukrainian businesses are facing a significant hurdle due to the outflow of young workers, which occurred after new regulations for leaving the country were implemented. The issue is expected to worsen, given that a growing number of young Ukrainians are considering international relocation, often starting these thoughts during their schooling and professional development.
Employers are actively seeking solutions to the staffing crisis and are launching programs aimed at young people. Zaporizhstal, a company within the Metinvest Group, is a key leader in this initiative in Zaporizhzhia.
The employer is ready to invest in young people
As a city dominated by large industrial enterprises, Zaporizhzhia possesses a robust educational foundation that prepares experts for employment within its economic sector. Technologists and related professionals are trained by the Zaporizhzhia Metallurgical Vocational College of Zaporizhzhia National University, the Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic Center for Vocational Education, the Zaporizhzhia Vocational Railway Transport Lyceum, the Zaporizhzhia Industrial Center for Vocational Education, the Zaporizhzhia Construction Center for Vocational Education, the Zaporizhzhia Higher Vocational School “Motorobudivnyk,” the Engineering Educational and Scientific Institute of Zaporizhzhia National University, the National University “Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic,” and Zaporizhzhia National University.
Young individuals at Zaporizhstal receive support from the outset, specifically during their introductory and industrial internships, allowing them to put their theoretical knowledge into practice with the help of experienced mentors.
Annually, over 500 vocational, professional, and higher education students undertake introductory, industrial, and pre-graduation internships at Zaporizhstal and other Metinvest companies located in Zaporizhzhia. The best performers are offered paid internships and invited to join the company.
“Young people who are focused on global trends in digital professions, remote work, creativity, and freedom usually do not consider metallurgy as a career option. But this is a misconception: The mining and metals sector, no longer conservative, now provides professionals with adaptable conditions, strong career advancement, and various possibilities. The company is systematically revising its human resources strategies, introducing modifications, and dedicating efforts to boost the motivation, education, and involvement of its expanding workforce”, says Maksym PED, HR Director at Zaporizhstal.
All contemporary training materials, webinars, and interactive programs are specifically designed to meet the needs of young people, such as a crane operator or locomotive driver simulator that plays more like an exciting computer game.
“Internships at Zaporizhstal are practical and engaging, and with the simulators, they become truly exciting. During my studies, it’s important for me to experience the process firsthand – to try operating the equipment myself and see the working conditions with my own eyes. This enables me to grasp things more profoundly and arrive at a well-considered career decision," commented Rostyslav SYDOROV, who is both an intern at Zaporizhstal and a student enrolled at the Zaporizhzhia Metallurgical Vocational College of ZNU.
This year, an extra scholarship program named *Steel Future* has been implemented for students attending the Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic Center for Vocational Education. It offers first-year students a monthly scholarship ranging from UAH 1,000 to UAH 1,500.
Zaporizhstal offers students a personal mentor, financial aid, and complimentary meals throughout their internship. Zaporizhstal offers young specialists who join the company not only housing rental compensation but also various other benefits.
Metinvest Polytechnic: Education that matches the demands of the job market
Metinvest Polytechnic offers promising and accessible education. The university collaborates extensively with companies, developing experts in sectors crucial to the nation's strategic interests: mining, metallurgy, automation, occupational safety, IT, and more. All educational programs are licensed by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and undergo state accreditation and certification by the National Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education.
Training is organized according to modern standards, with a strong focus on practical experience, digital tools, and state-of-art production technologies. Furthermore, students can effectively manage their work and studies, and also participate in international internship opportunities, due to a flexible learning arrangement that integrates online lessons with practical experience at companies.
Metinvest Group offers financial support for education to its staff, their children, and prospective students willing to integrate study with employment at the company's facilities. Furthermore, state vouchers can partially cover tuition fees, up to UAH 30,280. If the program costs more, students may cover the difference themselves or request financial help from their employer. For details, visit the university website: https://metinvest.university.
First Job Program
More than a year ago, Metinvest initiated the "First Job" program, designed to offer not only mentorship and paid industrial training but also extra financial support. Those who join receive an additional UAH 50,000 in salary and bonuses throughout their first year on the job. Since the program's inception, 218 young specialists at Zaporizhstal have taken part, and the cumulative payment budget has surpassed UAH 4 million.
"After completing my internship at Zaporizhstal, I chose to join the team because the work is straightforward and interesting, and the terms are agreeable. The first-year financial bonus was also a welcome benefit. My current objective is to advance my career within this organization," said Kyrylo PISHCHENKO, Process Engineer, Quality Control Department, Zaporizhstal, participant of the First Job program.
Zaporizhstal provides its specialists, including Kyrylo, with an environment that supports both their work and career advancement, regardless of their age, offering competitive salary, social guarantees, company-sponsored education, and various additional advantages.
"We aim to do more than just attract young talent; our objective is also to unleash their potential and cultivate sustained career development. Through corporate education initiatives, programs supporting youth projects, and well-defined career paths, we provide young professionals with the means to demonstrate their skills, improve their income and professional skills", says Maksym Ped, HR Director, Zaporizhstal.
A space for growth
At the plant, one in four employees is a young professional under 35 years old, sharing not only their work responsibilities but also common values, interests, and hobbies. The plant's youth organization facilitates joint leisure, athletic, artistic, and volunteer activities for these employees, alongside various motivational schemes and a 'Steel Bonus' corporate discount program for goods and services.
