The winners of the "Professional-2025" competition were awarded in Vyksa.

      05 November 2025 15:43 Economy OMK summed up the results of the plant professional skills competition "Professional-2025" and awarded the winners. The competition was held for the sixth time at the company's Vyksa site and brought together hundreds of workers striving to develop their skills and build their careers.

      About 500 employees took part in the competition in 2025. After three stages of trials — tests, interviews, practical tasks and a check of occupational safety knowledge — 117 specialists in ten nominations reached the final. Thirty-nine plant workers became winners. During the year they will receive a salary supplement, the amount of which depends on the category and the place achieved.

      One of the innovations of the competition was the use of artificial intelligence. At one stage, participants solved occupational safety tasks using an AI platform, which made it possible to objectively assess their ability to make decisions in non-standard situations. The organizers noted the successful experience and said they plan to apply digital technologies more actively in the future.

      According to Alexander Barykov, Managing Director of OMK's Vyksa plant, the competition brings together workers of very different ages — from 18 to 64. He noted that what determines victory is not age but energy and the desire to develop. The manager also emphasized that he is especially pleased by the activity of young people, who "break stereotypes and strive to win."

      Among the nominations were best electricians, CNC machine operators, technologists, NDT inspectors, metallurgists, maintenance fitters, crane operators, riggers, laboratory assistants, multi-skilled machinists, automation specialists and mentors. Alongside experienced masters, students from the Vyksa Metallurgical College named after A.A. Kozeradsky also took part in the competition.

      Continuous casting machine operator Anton Balikhin particularly distinguished himself, taking prize places in two nominations — "Best All-Round Technologist" and "Best Metallurgist." He noted that such competitions motivate workers to develop and make the workday more interesting.

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