Mining and metallurgy were among the most popular fields. Applicants also chose automation and robotics, power engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, occupational health and safety, management and other disciplines.
The university notes that interest in engineering professions is particularly important in the context of the future recovery of Ukrainian industry.
“This year, we are seeing interest in technical specialists at every level of education: from professional junior bachelor’s programmes to master’s degree programmes. For Ukraine, these are strategically important professions. The future recovery and modernisation of enterprises will require a new generation of engineers. They must be more than specialists with a solid technical grounding: they need to be proficient in modern technologies and digital tools, able to work in teams, manage projects, find solutions and take responsibility. Our university must train precisely this new generation of specialists,” said Oleksandr Povazhnyi, Rector of Metinvest Polytechnic.
Among those choosing technical education are school and college leavers, veterans and experienced professionals. For some, it is their first step into a profession; for others, it is an opportunity to strengthen their expertise, gain a new qualification or master a new specialism. In addition to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes, applicants have also applied for professional junior bachelor’s programmes. The university offers eight such programmes in mining, metallurgy, industrial automation, robotics, electrical engineering and applied mechanics. After graduating, students will be able to continue their studies at bachelor’s level.
“The best decision in times of uncertainty is to keep moving forward: to acquire new knowledge and skills so you can remain competitive in the labour market. Students and applicants at Metinvest Polytechnic understand this: they study, change career paths and move forward despite the circumstances. For Metinvest, supporting them on this journey means investing in people, a new generation of engineers and the future of Ukrainian industry. That is why we continue to develop even when times are difficult for everyone,” said Tetiana Petruk, Chief Sustainability Officer at Metinvest Group.
Among Metinvest Polytechnic’s new students are 20 veterans. They have enrolled at the university to gain a new specialism, deepen their professional knowledge or continue their education in technical fields. Since the university began operating, more than 70 veterans have chosen to study there.
Training the next generation of engineers involves much more than mastering specialist subjects. Metinvest Polytechnic’s educational programmes combine fundamental and specialist knowledge with digital skills, work on real-world production challenges and the development of soft skills. Future specialists are taught to work in teams, present and justify solutions, manage projects, adapt to change and work with specialists from different fields.
At the same time, the training is tailored to the current needs of industry. Students work on real industrial case studies, while industry practitioners are involved in teaching. Students also undertake practical training at Metinvest enterprises. In addition, they can take part in international programmes and internships – including placements already undertaken in Bulgaria, Italy and Austria – as well as participate in research and applied projects.
In addition to fee-paying places, Metinvest also offers scholarships for certain university students. Under this arrangement, the company funds tuition in selected fields, allowing students to obtain an education at no personal cost while also gaining the prospect of their first job. Study funded through a voucher issued by the State Employment Service is also available.
Metinvest Polytechnic is Ukraine’s first non-state university specialising in mining and metallurgy. It was established by Metinvest Group in 2020. The university’s educational programmes cover mining, metallurgy, automation, robotics, power engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, occupational health and safety, management and other fields, and have state accreditation. The curriculum combines modern engineering education, digital skills, practical experience and the development of skills needed to work with the technologies and industries of the future. Since Metinvest Polytechnic began operating, around 1,650 people have enrolled as students. The first cohort enrolled in autumn 2022. Since then, the university has expanded its educational programmes and trained specialists who work at Ukrainian enterprises and continue their professional development.