Metinvest Group's Zaporizhstal is expanding the targeted Steel Future scholarship programme aimed at supporting young people by involving educational institutions in Zaporizhzhia.
The programme creates opportunities for young people to launch their careers and develop professionally, while encouraging them to choose industrial professions and join the real sector of the economy. In 2026, the program is available to students of vocational and professional education institutions who choose specialities that are in demand in the metallurgical industry and study at the Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic Centre of Vocational Education, the Zaporizhzhia Metallurgical Vocational College of ZNU, the Zaporizhzhia Industrial Centre of Vocational Education, and the Zaporizhzhia Vocational Lyceum of Railway Transport.
The initiative helps young people gain their first professional experience and receive additional financial support. At the same time, the programme serves as an effective tool for training new specialists for the metallurgical industry, which plays a fundamental role in Ukraine's economic recovery and the development of the country's industrial sustainability. To date, more than 50 students from above-mentioned institutions participate in the scholarship programme and have already received payments totalling to almost UAH 300,000.
"A strong industry begins with training of qualified specialists, which is why supporting students and educational institutions is one of the strategic priorities for Zaporizhstal and Metinvest. The Steel Future programme helps young people gain real production experience while still studying and make an informed career choice. We create opportunities for professional growth within a stable business with clear long-term prospects closely linked to the recovery of the industry and the development of the region after the war," says Maksym Ped, HR Director at Zaporizhstal.
Programme participants receive a monthly scholarship from their first year of study. In addition to financial support, they are offered paid practical training at Zaporizhstal, based on mentorship from experienced specialists at the plant. Interns also receive free meals in company canteens and access to the Steel Bonus corporate discount system, which is available exclusively to employees of Metinvest Group. Students of the above-mentioned educational institutions who study the designated specialities can apply to participate in the scholarship programme. The full list of specialities is available from academic advisors at the respective institutions.
After completing their studies, programme participants receive priority when applying for jobs at the plant. Young specialists at Zaporizhstal also benefit from a comprehensive social support package, including continued mentorship, the opportunity to obtain higher education at Metinvest Polytechnic University at the company’s expense, participation in the First Job programme, and other employee support initiatives.
The plant maintains systematic cooperation with educational institutions in Zaporizhzhia that train specialists for the industrial sector. It supports the development of their training infrastructure, organises practical training for students and implements educational and motivational programmes for young people. In particular:
a training shop for future welders is currently being modernised at the Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic Centre of Vocational Education with financial support from Zaporizhstal. The company has allocated UAH 150,000 for this project. After the upgrade, students at the centre will be able to train as welders, electric and gas welders, and welders operating automatic and semi-automatic welding machines. Each year, more than 500 university students, college students and vocational school students undertake introductory, industrial and pre-graduation practical training at Zaporizhstal.