Ukraine’s first private mining and metallurgical university, Metinvest Polytechnic, has further strengthened its position as a leader in the field of industrial safety. Lecturers from the Department of Occupational Safety and Environmental Protection have completed specialised training with the participation of experts from the United Kingdom and have been awarded prestigious 'Train the Trainer' certificates by International Institute of Risk & Safety Management (IIRSM) – a global organisation that sets standards in the field of safety and risk management.
The training was conducted at Lviv State University of Life Safety – a strategic partner of Metinvest Polytechnic. The programme focused on topics of critical importance to the mining and metallurgical industry: confined space safety and underground utilities management. It is under such conditions that emergencies most frequently occur; therefore, the aim of the training was not only to enhance the lecturers’ qualifications, but also to adapt global best practices to the realities of Ukrainian industry.
The training course was delivered by British experts Alex Hitch and Ian Harper – renowned specialists in industrial safety representing Harper SRM Ltd, COSHC, ESOSH, and IIRSM. The programme combined theoretical knowledge with practical exercises: participants mastered modern risk identification methods, studied the legislative requirements of the United Kingdom, worked with technical drawings and real-life case studies, tested gas analysers and safety equipment, and practised emergency response procedures.
Upon completion of the training, Metinvest Polytechnic lecturers successfully passed the final assessment and received certificates that authorise them to train other professionals in accordance with international standards.
"We did not merely receive certificates – we acquired tools for influence. It is through education that we can transform approaches to safety in industry. This is our responsibility – to our students, to the business community, and to our country, which is in need of a new standard of risk management. And if you aspire to be part of meaningful change, it all begins with the right educational environment. The admissions campaign is currently underway, and we welcome all those who are ready to help build a safer future with us," emphasised Nataliia VOLODCHENKOVA, Dean of the Faculty of Mining and Metallurgy.
As part of the training, the university received modern equipment – a CAT 4 device, a set of tools, personal protective equipment, and educational materials. From now on, Metinvest Polytechnic is enabled to conduct its own industrial safety training programmes in line with international standards, preparing future hands-on professionals.
A touching conclusion to the training was the presentation of a Ukrainian flag bearing the signatures of all participating higher education institutions and enterprises. The flag was taken to the United Kingdom as a symbol of gratitude, partnership, and solidarity, and will now hold a place of honour in the organisers’ office – a reminder of a shared mission: to preserve life through safety, education, and international support.
Metinvest Polytechnic continues to systematically develop its academic programmes, combining scholarly knowledge with the real needs of industry. The newly acquired competencies of the lecturers will play a vital role in preparing specialists capable of working responsibly, efficiently, and safely from the very beginning of their professional path.
