At the Lviv Human Capital Forum 2026, the third such event, Tetiana Petruk, chief sustainability officer of Metinvest Group, spoke about how Metinvest is retaining its workforce amid the crisis facing the mining and metals industry, caused by Russian attacks and economic challenges.
The forum brought together representatives of government, business, education, the military and the expert community. Participants discussed human capital development, the future of the labour market, new requirements for professionals, lifelong learning opportunities and responsible leadership.
Tetiana Petruk took part in the panel discussion entitled “Human Capital Resilience Map 2.0: From Strategy to Action”. Other participants included representatives of Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy and Environment, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the National Bank of Ukraine, PrivatBank, DTEK and Kernel.
Retaining the workforce
Metinvest is experiencing its most challenging period since the start of the full-scale invasion. The Group was forced to suspend production at two steel plants in Kryvyi Rih, which employed almost 15,000 people. Its two mining and processing plants in Kryvyi Rih have also ceased operations. The blockade of Black Sea ports has restricted exports, while reductions in EU steel import quotas and the introduction of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) have made it more difficult to sell steel products on the European market. These factors have created a critical situation for Ukraine’s entire mining and metals industry, which has traditionally been export-oriented.
Despite the shutdowns, Metinvest is doing everything possible to retain its workforce and preserve professional experience and technological expertise. The Group continues to pay employees their salaries, does not place them on unpaid leave, and involves them in clearing debris and preparing facilities for the resumption of operations.
Tetiana PETRUK said: “I would like to thank our people, who are standing on a separate front, the economic one, just a few kilometres from the front line. Today, our main task is to preserve our human resources. We cannot afford to lose the experience, skills and knowledge that we have accumulated. That is why it is so important for us to retain the core of our workforce and our technological expertise.”
Training and reskilling
Metinvest has revised its approach to employee training to prepare specialists more quickly and attract people with no previous experience in the steel industry. In particular, the Group has shortened its assistant steelmaker training programme from 9-12 months to 4-6 months. Employees complete the theoretical component online at a convenient time, while acquiring practical skills directly at production facilities under the supervision of experienced mentors.
Metinvest’s chief sustainability officer said: “In wartime, the most important thing for a company is its ability to retrain people quickly. We do not have time for lengthy programmes and must make decisions promptly. Often, as early as the day after an attack, employees who cannot return to their workplaces because of damage are transferred to other areas and learn new skills.”
Tetiana Petruk emphasised that crisis management has become a permanent part of the Group’s operations, rather than merely a means of responding to emergencies.
“We must understand that crisis management is our reality. We need to learn to readjust and adapt quickly to new circumstances. We will continue to live this way for many years, even after the war, when we begin rebuilding the economy.”
Supporting veterans’ return to civilian life
Metinvest has revised its recruitment strategy, placing particular emphasis on the return of veterans. Today, around 8,500 of its employees are serving in the armed forces of Ukraine, representing one in five of its staff. More than 1,000 veterans, both former employees and people from the wider labour market, have already returned to work at the Group. Metinvest helps them to acquire new professions and prepares its workforce to work alongside those who have served.
In 2023, the Group introduced a comprehensive veteran reintegration ecosystem at its enterprises. Today, this area has become part of its day-to-day operations and is integrated into processes ranging from recruitment and training to production management.
Metinvest’s chief sustainability officer emphasised: “It is not veterans who should integrate into society, but society that must adapt to the new realities of life. Only through joint efforts can we achieve this.”
Engaging young people
Metinvest begins engaging with young people while they are still at school. It provides career guidance for not only pupils but also their parents, helping families to understand career prospects. The Group also works with vocational colleges in the regions where it operates.
Metinvest Polytechnic, Ukraine’s first private mining and metals university, plays an important role in training future specialists. The university opened its doors in 2022, despite the start of the full-scale war. Around 100 bachelor’s degree students and almost 300 master’s degree students have already graduated. The university offers a complete educational pathway, from junior bachelor’s degrees to postgraduate studies. Veterans are also among its students.
Tetiana Petruk commented that business and the government need to be already working together to train specialists who will help to rebuild industry and the wider economy.
“Only through the joint efforts of business and the government will we be able to create a system that serves the country both during the war and after it ends.”
