TMK trains Russia’s next workforce—starting in kindergarten
Russian steel producer TMK is stepping up efforts to train the next generation of workers. With the country’s working-age population set to drop by 3–4 million over the next five years, the company is expanding its career advice programmes. These initiatives now reach children as young as kindergarten age while also targeting parents and students through new digital tools.
TMK’s Corporate University, TMK2U, has long run career advice activities for young people. Over 20,000 school students and 15,000 university students take part in its events each year. Activities include games, competitions, and tours of company museums, designed to spark early interest in technical fields.
In 2025, the programme extended its reach to kindergarten children for the first time. This early engagement aims to build foundational skills and awareness of future career paths. Plans are in place to roll out the practice to more regions by mid-2026.
The company is also launching Up2Uprofi, a mobile app for high school and vocational students. The open-access platform provides career advice, helping users explore opportunities in engineering and technical roles. Demand for these specialists is projected to rise by 7–18% annually.
TMK’s initiatives operate across five regions, partnering with over 100 schools and 30 universities. The Professionalitet project works to align vocational training with real business needs. This approach has already boosted hiring: in 2024, TMK employed 25% more vocational graduates and 15% more higher education graduates than in 2022. By 2025, over 2,500 graduates had secured positions at TMK facilities.
Parents are another key focus. TMK2U organises sessions to highlight career prospects for their children, ensuring families understand the long-term opportunities in technical professions.
The expansion of TMK’s career advice programmes comes as Russia faces a shrinking workforce. By engaging young children, students, and parents, the company aims to build a steady pipeline of skilled workers. More than 2,500 graduates joined TMK in 2025, reflecting the growing impact of its training and recruitment efforts.
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