The name of the best welder in the Nizhny Novgorod region has been announced.

      On April 23, 2026, at 17:09, Economy In the Nizhny Novgorod region, the results of the regional stage of the All-Russian professional skills competition "Best in Profession" in the nomination "Welder" were summarized. The winner was Vladimir Levashov, an employee of JSC "Transneft – Upper Volga." His experience in the profession is 24 years.

      The competition involved 22 specialists from 16 industrial enterprises in Nizhny Novgorod, Dzerzhinsk, Arzamas, Pavlovo, and Navashino.

      The competition aims to popularize working professions and improve the quality and safety of welding work. It is part of the national project "Personnel," implemented at the initiative of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin.

      The Minister of Demography and Labor Policy of the region, Igor Pantyukhin, noted that the competition has become an important part of the system for training skilled workers. Winning it means public recognition, respect from colleagues, and opens up opportunities for career growth. "The profession of a welder is regaining its status as one of the most respected in the region," he emphasized.

      The competition included theoretical and practical parts. Participants underwent testing in welding technology, labor protection, fire safety, reading blueprints and equipment, and also solved production cases orally. The practical stage involved performing manual arc welding: from cleaning and assembling parts to selecting electrodes and welding according to samples.

      Acting Director of the Nizhny Novgorod Employment Center "Work of Russia," Elena Vidyaeva, reported that the profession of a welder remains one of the most in-demand in the labor market today. This specialty can be obtained as part of the national project "Personnel," and applications for training are accepted through the "Work of Russia" portal.

      Second place was taken by Alexander Tumanov (JSC "Transneft – Upper Volga," experience 17 years), and third place went to Mikhail Remezov (branch "Nizhny Novgorod" of PJSC "T Plus," experience 25 years).

      The winner and prizewinners received diplomas, letters of appreciation, and memorable gifts. Vladimir Levashov will represent the region at the all-Russian finals of the competition.

      Applications are still being accepted in six more areas: "Seamstress," "Specialist in the operation of unmanned aerial systems," "Cook," "Transport security inspector," "Driver of freight and passenger transport," and "Second start" — for SVO participants returning to work.

      Since 2025, the "Best in Profession" competition has been included in the federal project "Labor Man" of the national project "Personnel." Winners of the federal stage will receive cash prizes: 1 million rubles for first place, 500 thousand for second, and 300 thousand for third.

      Earlier, it was reported that the salary of Nizhny Novgorod welders in 2026 rose to 186 thousand rubles.

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