The regular meeting of the General Director of JSC “Zaporizhstal” Rostislav Shurma with the students took place in Zaporozhye State Engineering Academy on the 28th of March 2013.
The meeting of the company's chief executive with the students of Zaporozhye State Engineering Academy, who have chosen metallurgy as their vocation, took place as a part of the development of cooperation with higher education establishments of Zaporozhye. The question-and-answer mode was chosen for the meeting. This let all attendants put questions to the General Director personally and receive comprehensive answers. Rostislav Shurma answered various topical questions that were posed not only by students but also by lecturers of the academy during one academic hour of communication with the audience.
The majority of the questions revolved around the prospects for collaboration between the iron and steel works and the academy concerning the training of highly-qualified personnel for the metallurgical industry, the provision of employment for young professionals at JSC “Zaporizhstal,” potential pathways for their further professional development and career advancement, the social security system of employees, housing solutions, and the development of sports programs.
Rostislav Shurma informed students about the development of the programme of cooperation between integrated iron and steel works and higher education establishments. This initiative allows students to undertake practical training at integrated iron and steel works “Zaporizhstal” with possible future employment opportunities. “For example, many key division heads of the integrated iron and steel works are young people aged from 25 to 40 years,” mentioned Rostislav Shurma.
A significant number of questions raised by the students focused on the modernization of production capacities of the integrated iron and steel works, particularly the prospect of constructing a converter shop. Rostislav Shurma conveyed to the audience that the company intends to implement this project as it holds great importance for the development of both the company and the region as a whole.
The environmental issues facing the Zaporozhye Region were also discussed during the meeting. Rostislav Shurma highlighted that JSC “Zaporizhstal” is progressively carrying out a programme aimed at modernizing outdated capacities. The modernization of sintering production will be prioritized, which is expected to reduce hazardous emissions by nearly seven times.
The students and lecturers of Zaporozhye State Engineering Academy were also keen on understanding the prerequisites for achieving professional success. They asked the General Director what it takes to succeed in a career. Rostislav Shurma responded by stating, “First of all, one must have a well-defined life goal, engage in self-education, and acquire new knowledge from both theoretical and practical experiences to become a successful leader.” At the conclusion of the meeting, the leaders of the students’ senate of Zaporozhye State Engineering Academy presented a commemorative formal document to Rostislav Shurma and expressed their hope that this meeting would not be the last.