On January 21 of 2025, the representatives of the separate division of Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation in Ukraine visited Zaporizhstal with the working trip. The organisation implements sustainable initiatives, economic recovery programmes, and resilience-building programmes. During the meeting, discussions focused on HR strategies and collaboration with vocational institutions to strengthen professional education in the region, including training young specialists and providing advanced training for employees at Metinvest Polytechnic, the first non-state mining and metallurgical university. Special attention was paid to the discussion of the ongoing support programme for reintegration and employment of the war veterans.
"We take a comprehensive approach to human resources while considering the individual needs of each group we work with. For instance, we help students adapt during the practical training and involve them in corporate projects. Young specialists are supported by experienced mentors and financial incentives. For our demobilised employees, veterans, and job seekers from the external labour market, we offer a special programme with enhanced adaptation, rehabilitation, and social support measures. Ukraine’s metallurgy industry is a pillar of the national economy, and we are committed to ensuring its success,", says Maksym Ped Maksym, HR Director at Zaporizhstal.
The Helvetas delegation, led by Petro Bashe, highly praised Zaporizhstal's HR practices and expressed interest in future joint projects.
"We are currently exploring partnerships with large businesses and vocational education institutions in the region, focusing on employing vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities and war veterans Zaporizhstal's experience is invaluable, as the plant adapts its training programs, social initiatives, and work processes to wartime realities. This approach will help further develop human capital and create new opportunities for Ukraine's economic recovery", says Petro Bashe, Head of Helvetas Ukraine.
During the visit, the delegation toured the production facilities, including the hot rolling shop and the CPL-4 pickling line in the cold rolling shop.
For reference, Zaporizhstal and other Metinvest enterprises have a corporate programme to support and adapt war veterans called "Hero's Path: Ecosystem for Integrating Veterans." We remind you that with support from Metinvest and Zaporizhstal, Zaporizhzhia has a rehabilitation project for war veterans and military personnel called "Free Waves" as well as a "Let's Talk. Veteran" project aimed at bringing together war veterans and experts from various fields to address the challenges Ukrainian defenders encounter after returning from the frontline. As part of the "Saving Lives" humanitarian initiative, children of active soldiers and war veterans of Metinvest underwent rehabilitation in summer and autumn camps in the Carpathians. To honor fallen heroes, Metinvest supported the creation of the "Tree of Memory" memorial in Zaporizhzhia.