Adjusting to civilian life is a long and challenging journey for veterans. It’s crucial to not only support them comprehensively, but also provide opportunities for learning and self-development.

This year, Metinvest Polytechnic, Ukraine’s first private mining and metallurgical university, introduced a streamlined admission process for veterans. The fast-track admission helps veterans adapt to the learning process more quickly, focus on acquiring new knowledge and skills, retrain, and get a new in-demand profession. Among the new students this year is Zaporizhstal veteran Ruslan Sutkovyi.

Ruslan's first experience at Zaporizhstal was during his school years, when he completed his internship at the plant. Eventually, he joined the cold-rolling workshop as a stacker-packer, gradually gaining experience and moving up the career ladder. However, his routine was disrupted by the outbreak of the full-scale war. After two gruelling years on the Zaporizhia and Donetsk fronts, Ruslan demobilised and began the long road of readjustment. He rejoined his team at Zaporizhstal, where his colleagues, who had stayed in contact with him throughout, warmly welcomed him back.

“Adjusting to everyday life, which is so different from military service, isn’t easy,” he says. “But the support of family, friends, colleagues, and the plant helped me make that transition. Being back at Zaporizhstal, doing what I’m good at, has helped me reintegrate into civilian life.”

Now, Ruslan is focused on personal growth as well, setting new goals, and taking important steps to reach them – starting with a high-quality technical education. This year, Zaporizhstal offered him the opportunity to enrol at Metinvest Polytechnic on special terms, allowing him to study tuition-free with the plant’s support.

“Of course, I want to build my career and grow professionally, and to do that I need to keep learning and gaining new knowledge. I had planned to apply to Metinvest Polytechnic before and even submitted an application. This is a fantastic chance for me to get a higher education for free, without taking time off work.

After returning from the front, I received a call from the university inviting me to an interview. I was admitted through the simplified process, thanks to my combat veteran status, and I’m now working towards a bachelor’s degree in metallurgy. I believe this is an essential opportunity for veterans to advance in their chosen field,” says Ruslan.

This year marks the third academic year at Metinvest Polytechnic. Over 130 future bachelors, as well as more than 75 master’s and doctoral students, have already begun their studies. Among this year’s new students are 26 war veterans, including Metinvest employees and defenders of the Azovstal plant in Mariupol.