Following his demobilization, he rejoined Zaporizhstal and decided to advance his career. Tyshchenko has been employed at the Zaporizhstal steel plant for 22 years, serving a decade as a crane operator in the hot rolling mill's slab section. He was inspired to join the company by his elder brother, who worked in the open-hearth shop at that time. In 2023, Volodymyr enlisted in the 36th Separate Marine Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Volodymyr recounts his time as a grenade launcher operator in intense combat areas like Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, where he sustained a serious shrapnel injury near Krynky. He credits crucial moral and financial assistance from his network during a lengthy recovery period. Although he rejoined the military after rehabilitation, he was ultimately discharged due to health issues preventing full active duty, promptly returning to work at the plant. Despite initial contraindications for physical exertion, he dedicated himself to recovery post-service, notably through a swimming program by Olympic medalist Denys Sylantiev, supported by Metinvest and Zaporizhstal under the "Free Waves" initiative.
"For a period, I concentrated on regaining my health, and the moment my physical state allowed, I went back to my familiar team at the hot rolling shop. The feeling of my colleagues having awaited my return and being genuinely pleased to see me again was wonderful," shared the Zaporizhstal employee.
A crucial part of Volodymyr's return to civilian life was his aspiration for professional development. This year, he enrolled in Metinvest Polytechnic – Ukraine's first private mining and metallurgical university.
It is notable that Metinvest Polytechnic has started its fourth academic year. This year, the university welcomed more than 150 prospective bachelor’s and master’s students, and, for the first time, 94 professional junior bachelors. Among the new admissions are 26 military veterans, including personnel from Metinvest enterprises and those who defended the Azovstal plant in Mariupol. "I learned about the possibility of obtaining free education, as Metinvest fully covers tuition for veterans, so I decided to take advantage of this opportunity. Of course, I wish to advance and build my career, and this education will certainly assist me," states the veteran-steelworker.
Volodymyr chose the Ferrous Metallurgy program. He says that balancing work and study presents challenges, yet it's achievable due to the flexible schedule of online lectures.
The defender explains, "Attending lectures after night shifts is sometimes impossible, but I can always catch up on all the content at my convenience." "It's excellent that Metinvest offers these options to its staff and former military personnel. This demonstrates a genuine commitment to the Company's care, which is particularly vital for veterans re-entering civilian society."
It is worth noting that Zaporizhstal employs over 350 individuals who are veterans of the Russian-Ukrainian war. The plant has put in place an extensive support framework for these veterans, encompassing enhanced medical coverage, vocational training for new careers at its corporate university, and avenues for advanced studies at Metinvest Polytechnic. Additionally, the initiative offers assistance with workplace integration, guidance from seasoned colleagues, and involvement in the company's veteran network.
Metinvest offers its veterans several specialized programs, such as the "Free Waves" water rehabilitation project, therapeutic retreats at the "Veteran Camp", advisory services through the "Speak up. Veteran" platform, and children’s health initiatives at Synevyr Camp, among others.
