Metinvest has a scholarship programme for students of educational institutions in Zaporizhzhia.
Zaporizhstal works systematically with young people who are just starting their professional careers. Support for future specialists begins during their studies through the cooperation with relevant educational institutions, the organisation of meaningful practical training and the implementation of incentive programmes that help pupils and students take their first confident steps in their careers.
The company creates conditions under which young people can not only gain theoretical knowledge, but also obtain real production experience, see their future work from the inside and consciously link their career to industry. One such tool is the Steel Future scholarship programme, which was launched in November 2025.
Currently, 37 students from the Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic Centre for Vocational and Technical Education are participating in the programme. It covers training in blue-collar professions that are in demand at the plant, including hot rolling mill operator, metallurgical crane operator, electric welder, refractory worker, electric and gas welder, and electrical equipment repair technician.
Programme participants are guaranteed a scholarship, paid practical training at the plant, support from mentors at all stages of training, and the opportunity for further employment at the plant.
In 2026, the programme is planned to be expanded to include students from the Zaporizhzhia Metallurgical College of ZNU, the Zaporizhzhia Lyceum of Railway Transport, and the Zaporizhzhia Industrial Centre for Vocational and Technical Education.
Students who undergo paid industrial practical training at the plant are also involved in other incentive programmes of the plant. In particular, they benefit from the Steel Bonus corporate discount system and receive compensation for meals in Zaporizhstal's canteens and buffets. In addition, each trainee is assigned an experienced mentor who accompanies them during the training process, helps them master their first professional skills and adapt to working in a real production environment.
For example, three students from the Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic Centre for Vocational and Technical Education, future crane operators in metallurgical production, are currently undergoing practical training in the train preparation shop.
Serhii MOSKALETS, a mechanical equipment repair technician at the train preparation shop, talks about their work and potential:
"The guys work responsibly and are already mastering the practical skills of their future profession. You can see that they are interested and trying hard. Today, the profession of a metallurgical crane operator is in short supply, both for the workshop and for the plant as a whole. Therefore, we view these students as future colleagues with great potential and have high hopes for them."
The students themselves note that the practical training at the plant allows them to combine their theoretical knowledge with practical experience.
"During the practical training, we don't just watch experienced operators at work, we also try our hand at operating cranes, trolleys, bridges and lifts under their supervision. It's especially valuable that the mentors explain the details of the processes and the nuances of the work. This helps us to better understand the profession and feel the responsibility," says Herman VEIKO, a student of the Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic Centre for Vocational and Technical Education.
His classmate Oleksandr Davydenko adds that it is the support of mentors and real production tasks that give them an understanding of the profession and confidence in their actions.
"I like both the practical training and the atmosphere at the plant. We feel like part of the team: experienced Zaporizhstal employees treat us with patience and understanding. They try to give us valuable knowledge and teach us. This is very supportive and motivating for us at the start of our professional careers,” says Oleksandr DAVYDENKO.
Another trainee, Roman Mashko, shared his plans for the future:
"After completing my practical training, at the end of the summer I plan to get a job at the plant. I want to work in my profession and develop further," says student Roman MASHKO.
After getting a job, all young professionals will join the First Job incentive program, which gives extra financial support at the start of their career.
