On September 10, the southern capital of Kuzbass will host the federal stage of Best in Profession All-Russian Professional Skills Competition in the Flame-cutting Torch Operator category.
Since 2012, this competition has annually identified the strongest masters of their trade across the country. In 2025, following a directive fr om the President of the Russian Federation, the project underwent a major overhaul and became part of the national "Personnel" initiative.
The Flame-cutting Torch Operator profession made its debut in the competition program in 2026. The inclusion of this specialty in the Ministry of Labor's roster of competitive categories was made possible through a joint initiative by SGMK and the Pro Lom Uni on Association of Scrap Processors Self-Regulatory Organization (a legally recognized professional association in Russia).
The organizer of the large scale federal final is JSC SGMK. Partners in hosting the event include Noviy Vtormet and the Pro Lom Union Association of Scrap Processors Self-Regulatory Organization.
"Our company is a leader in the scrap processing industry. We value the infinite life cycle of metal – its ability to be reborn and serve the country once again. The flame-cutting torch operator is one of the first to set in motion the great industrial cycle. Without this profession, effective recycling, strong metallurgy, and robust machine building would be unthinkable. SGMK is funding this competition category out of its own resources. Our goal is to restore the profession's well deserved status and public recognition," emphasized Denis Kraev, CEO of JSC SGMK.
The first half of the year was dedicated to regional stages and industry specific competitions, in which the country's strongest masters took part. Now the finalists will meet in a decisive showdown: Novokuznetsk will welcome the best flame-cutting torch operators from 12 regions of Russia – from Lipetsk Region to Khabarovsk Territory. The average age of the competitors is 36.
The federal stage will be held at the ProLom training and production cluster of the Novokuznetsk Mining and Transport College named after V.F. Kuznetsov (99 Zyryanovskaya St., Novokuznetsk). The cluster's facility is unique – it is the only training complex in Russia that fully replicates the production cycle of scrap processing.
The program of the federal stage spans two days.
On September 10, after the official opening ceremony, competitors will take a computer based test and solve case studies based on real world work situations.
On September 11, the Flame-cutting Torch masters will move on to practical trials, wh ere they will demonstrate record breaking speed and flawless quality.
"At the federal stage, participants will face challenging tasks – to complete them, one must stay fully focused and keep a cool head. The judges' task is to fairly and impartially sel ect the one who truly stands ahead of their time in skill. I am confident that the finalists' performance will serve as a benchmark and guide for young specialists across the country," said Olga Letyaeva, chief expert for the federal stage of the Best in Profession competition in the Flame-cutting Torch Operator category.
Beyond professional recognition, the finalists will compete for substantial cash prizes established by the Russian Government. The winner of the federal stage will receive 1,000,000 rubles, the silver medalist is to get 500,000 rubles, and the bronze medalist is to have 300,000 rubles.
The names of the country's best flame-cutting torch operators will be announced nationwide – an official awards ceremony will take place in Moscow at the end of the year.
To leave guests with lasting impressions of Kuzbass, the organizers have prepared a rich cultural program. It includes visits to the Memorial Museum of Military and Labor Glory of Kuznetsk Metallurgists, which embodies the region's contribution to the victory in the Great Patriotic War, as well as the Kuznetsk Fortress Open-Air Museum – the main symbol of the region's founding and centuries long history.
The organizer of the All Russian competition is Russia's Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, with support from federal and regional authorities, as well as national associations of trade unions and employers. The competition is operated by the Labor Research Institute (VNII Truda – the All Russian Scientific Research Institute of Labor).
Event Program
September 10
10:15 – Official opening ceremony
11:00 – 12:30 – Theoretical portion: testing, case studies
11:30 – 12:30 – Roundtable with Shortage of Skilled Trades Workers subject
13:00 – 15:15 – Practical modules 1 and 2
16:00 – 18:00 – Visits to the Memorial Museum of Military and Labor Glory of Kuznetsk Metallurgists and the Kuznetsk Fortress Open-Air Museum
September 11
12:00 – 15:30 – Practical modules 3, 4, and 5
16:30 – 17:30 – Official closing ceremony