Metinvest Polytechnic, Ukraine’s first private mining and metals university, has celebrated the graduation of 124 master’s students. The university’s second graduating cohort specialised in metallurgy, mining, automation, computer science, business processes and operational efficiency, occupational safety, environmental protection, and project management of changes in the mining and metals sector. The National Agency for Higher Education Quality Assurance has accredited all the university’s educational programmes.
Graduation ceremonies were held in Zaporizhzhia, Kamianske and Kryvyi Rih. This year’s graduates include many employees from Kamet Steel, the Group’s mining and processing plants in Kryvyi Rih, the Zaporizhstal joint venture, Metinvest Digital, Zaporizhzhia Casting and Mechanical Works, Zaporizhzhia Refractories, Metinvest Business Services and Metinvest Sichsteel.
Addressing the graduates, university rector Oleksandr Povazhniy commented: “This graduation marks the beginning of a new stage for you: a professional journey that will contribute to the revival and growth of Ukrainian industry. You have gained modern knowledge and become part of an important mission: implementing change and building the future. Metinvest Polytechnic will always stand by you as a reliable partner.”
Almost one-third of graduates earned distinctions, with 26 students receiving diplomas with honours. Each graduate completed more than 2,700 hours of study, including over 290 lectures and 450 practical sessions. The courses were adapted to modern realities: a flexible schedule allowed students to combine work and education. Students completed a significant part of their internships at Metinvest Group enterprises, where they immediately applied their newly gained knowledge to real-world production conditions. This practical experience is already helping graduates to advance in their chosen professions and build successful careers in the mining and metals industry.
Yuriy Shcheka, one of the graduates, works as a senior drilling and blasting engineer in the technical department of the Gannivka open pit at Northern Iron Ore. He plans to apply the knowledge he acquired to his professional duties.
He noted: “I believe that we are lifelong learners and must continuously develop ourselves. This is my second higher education degree; I chose mining again because I wanted to deepen my expertise in the field in which I work. My thesis focused on reducing the specific cost of explosives. Overall, my experience of studying here was excellent. The programme is manageable for everyone, even those with families and full-time jobs, as all the necessary conditions are provided.”
Oleksandr Parkhomenko, another graduate from the second master’s cohort and a mill operator at the pelletising plant of Central Iron Ore, chose metallurgy – a related field – for further study.
He stated: “I already have a bachelor’s degree in metallurgy, specialising in coke production. The decision to pursue a master’s degree was entirely my own, though I consulted my shop manager about the specific focus area. While I initially considered environmental studies, after talking with my supervisor, I ultimately decided on steel metallurgy. I really enjoyed my studies and had great impressions; the lecturers were experienced and supportive. My goal now is to continue working for the Group, specifically at the factory within the plant.”
Oleksiy Bevz, a foreman in the main production area of the foundry shop at Zaporizhzhia Casting and Mechanical Works, also chose metallurgy, seeing in it a path to personal and professional growth, as well as the development of the enterprise where he works.
He noted: “What I enjoyed most during my studies were the training sessions, excursions and practical classes, as they helped to reinforce my theoretical knowledge. Although this is my fourth degree, I still learned many new things at Metinvest Polytechnic, thanks to its modern programmes and lecturers with extensive practical experience in the steel industry.”
Metinvest Polytechnic is a university focused on the future, offering extensive new opportunities for young people and using advanced digital systems and platforms for education. Metinvest Group established the university in June 2020. The first students enrolled in 2022, and the initial cohort of 143 master’s students graduated in 2024. The university educates students in technical specialities that are in high demand in the labour market. Metinvest Group guarantees employment and career advancement opportunities for the highest-performing students, in addition to providing financial and other incentives.
