Nadezhda Stepanova from Nizhny Novgorod became Russia's best seamstress.

      September 12, 2025 17:40

      [201]

      Economy

      The results of the federal stage of the All-Russian professional skills competition "Best in the Profession" in the "Seamstress" category were summed up in the Nizhny Novgorod region. The winner was Nadezhda Stepanova from Nizhny Novgorod.

      The federal stage took place on September 11–12 at the Nizhny Novgorod Fair venue. Nineteen seamstresses from different regions of the country — all winners of the regional stages of "Best in the Profession" — competed for the title of best. The Nizhny Novgorod region was represented by Nadezhda Stepanova, an employee of LLC Brig.

      Deputy Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Yegor Polyakov noted that the region hosted the country's strongest masters and personally congratulated the Nizhny Novgorod winner. He emphasized that the result is rightful and symbolic for the region, and reported plans to increase the share of the textile industry in the economy: the First Weaving Factory is already operating in the Volodarsky district, aiming to capture a significant share of its segment in the Russian Federation, and in 2027–2028 the construction of the region's first light-industry industrial park is planned.

      The event took place within the framework of the national project "Personnel," implemented by order of President Vladimir Putin, with the aim of promoting blue-collar professions and identifying the most qualified specialists.

      Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Russian Federation Dmitry Platyagin emphasized that light industry is developing dynamically: new Russian brands are emerging, enterprises are modernizing equipment and introducing digital technologies. According to him, modern seamstresses work on high-tech, programmable machines where precision, speed and technological knowledge are important, and their professionalism contributes to the production of products that meet modern standards and to the development of the industry as a whole.

      In the final, participants demonstrated professional skills in theory and practice. The theoretical testing included questions on the construction of various equipment, diagnosis and troubleshooting, technologies for manufacturing sewn products, and occupational safety rules when working with machines and tools. In the practical part, the finalists demonstrated equipment handling within a limited time, performing complex operations for processing different types of pockets.

      Head of the Department for Labor and Employment of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Igor Pantyukhin noted that the competition is not only a showcase of achievements but also a strong career tool: participation and victory raise a specialist's standing with employers and open up new opportunities. For the region, such an event helps draw attention to in-demand professions and demonstrate prospects for employment and growth in light industry.

      As a result of the tests, the best was Nadezhda Stepanova (LLC Brig) from the Nizhny Novgorod Region. Second place was taken by Elena Kuzevanova from the Sverdlovsk Region with 35 years of experience. The bronze went to seamstress Ekaterina Petrova (LLC Binita) from the Chuvash Republic with 15 years of experience.

      "I am very happy about my victory. It is a great honor for me to become the best in the country in my profession. The secret of success is to sincerely love your work, and then everything will work out," said Nadezhda Stepanova. She emphasized that she continues a family labor dynasty: her mother and grandfather also worked in sewing. She is committed to continuous improvement — new materials and designers' developments are emerging — and she also sews props for children's parties, educational games and household items.

      Nadezhda's total work experience is 20 years, of which 12 years have been with a company producing workwear.

      The central event of the business program was the plenary session "Trends in the Development of the Light Industry" with the participation of HR services, business and education, where experts discussed key challenges and the sector's workforce needs.

      A broad program was prepared for guests: master classes on embroidery, weaving and sewing, an exhibition-fair of light industry products and fashion shows. Employees of the Department for Labor and Employment of the Nizhny Novgorod Region and the Nizhny Novgorod staffing center "Work of Russia" took part in the First Weaving Factory's collection show.

      Reminder: since 2025, by order of President Vladimir Putin, the national project "Personnel" has been implemented in Russia. It includes four federal projects: "Labor Market Management," "Active Employment Support Measures," "Education for the Labor Market" and "The Working Person." The initiatives are aimed at prompt and high-quality training of personnel to meet employers' demands through coordinated work among educational organizations, businesses and the state.

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