Sverdlovsk Region will be represented at the federal stage of the competition by two flame‑cutting torch operators: Ilya Korobeynikov and Danil Nozhkov, both of whom work at the Seversky Pipe Plant, a branch of PJSC TMK (PJSC Pipe Metallurgical Company).
"My professional life today is all about extreme conditions, high pressure, and complete process control. I work as a flame‑cutting torch operator processing scrap charge materials, and my track record includes thousands of tons of prepared metal. There are no standard tasks in our line of work – one day it's light scrap, the next it's massive steel plates. Versatility is key. At this competition, I want to show what true moderation, speed, and top‑class manual cutting at maximum power really look like," emphasizes Ilya Korobeynikov.
His colleague Danil Nozhkov is also determined to win. He says that welding and metal cutting fascinated him fr om childhood.
"My interest was sparked by my grandmother's neighbor in the village – he was a welder. I often visited him, listening to stories about his work, even though I was young and didn't understand much. As I grew older, the neighbor began teaching me the basics of the trade. Later, I practiced on my own in the garage, honing my skills," he says. "My career began at a plant wh ere I came as a flame‑cutting torch operator. This profession is very interesting and in high demand. I've been working as a metal cutter for seven years now, and I'm also actively involved in welding on the side."
Alexander Privezenov, a flame‑cutting torch operator at Ekolant LLC, also recalled a story from his youth. He will represent Nizhny Novgorod Region at the competition.
"My friends and I used to run over to the construction site to watch the welders at work. After finishing school, I went to study as an electric‑gas welder. During our internship at a plant, my mentor said: 'We're not just going to weld parts – we're also going to cut them with a gas torch.' And so we did. After technical school, I worked as an electric‑gas welder for more than seven years, then mastered the flame‑cutting torch operator profession and have been in it for 12 years. Welding became my hobby," he says.
Another experienced electric‑gas welder, an employee of the Don Branch of Gazprom Transgaz Moscow's trade union, will represent Lipetsk Region. Meet Leonid Pavlov:
"Twenty‑four years in the gas industry have taught me one thing above all – responsibility and precision in every action. It all started in 2002, when I came to work as a pipeline technician. I remember my first steps in the profession: every skill came with extraordinary effort. Over time, I realized I wanted to grow further and mastered related specialties – electric‑gas welding and flame‑cutting torch operation. I hold the sixth‑level certification – and that's not just a number on paper; it's years of hard work, hundreds of completed jobs, and thousands of precise movements."
Tomorrow, the strongest masters from across the country will meet at the competition venue. They will have to demonstrate extreme composure, jeweler‑like precision, and the highest class of workmanship. The federal final will be more than just a contest for the title of best – it will be a vivid showcase of the prestige, strength, and skill of the people of this fiery profession.
We wish all participants the best of luck – and may the strongest win!