For the Title of the Best

This year, JSC “Solikamskbumprom” celebrates its 85th anniversary. Among the proud traditions passed down fr om generation to generation at the mill is the organization of professional skills competitions. “Best in Profession” is one of the most anticipated events in the corporate calendar. Both newcomers and top-ranking professionals gather on one site. Each participant has the opportunity not only to test themselves but also to exchange experience with colleagues, demonstrate their knowledge and skills, improve their qualification grade, and become part of the company’s history.

“Lathe operator is one of the most in-demand professions at Solikamskbumprom. It plays a key role in ensuring the uninterrupted operation of the enterprise. I believe this specialty will always be valued, no artificial intelligence can replace the hands of a master,” noted Vladimir Maltsev, Chief Mechanic, in his welcoming speech to the participants.

Natalia Shipulina, Director of the Solikamsk Technological College, warmly greeted the participants and thanked Solikamskbumprom for preserving traditions and for its long-standing cooperation with the college in training qualified personnel for industrial enterprises. It is precisely thanks to the long-term partnership between the city-forming enterprise and the educational institution that students demonstrate a high level of theoretical and practical training.

Words of support were also addressed to the contestants by Svetlana Stankevich, an Honored Employee of JSC “Solikamskbumprom” with 42 years of experience. At the age of 17, she began working at the pulp and paper mill as a milling machine apprentice. She has mentored more than 100 people and admits that Solikamskbumprom has forever remained her home enterprise.
“Every competition always has a special atmosphere – a spirit of unity and competition at the same time. You are all already winners. From my own experience, I know that preparing for such competitions requires reading a lot of additional literature and thinking through which equipment can be used,” the veteran noted. “I am glad that traditions are preserved in the Solikamskbumprom team. This means that despite difficulties, the enterprise continues to live and develop.”

Traditionally, the competition was held in three categories: “Student,” “Worker,” and “Foreman”. Participants had to complete two stages: answer theoretical questions and manufacture a part according to their level of competence. Students were required to machine a transition stud, workers – a fitting, and foremen – a brake pulley. To complete the task, participants needed to correctly read technical drawings, use the necessary tools, and follow the proper sequence and precision of operations.

Every year, students of the technological college compete for the title of “Best in Profession.” For many of them, Solikamskbumprom has become an internship site wh ere they not only undergo practical training but also work, successfully combining their studies at the college with work in their chosen field.

For fourth-year student Konstantin Gorozhaninov, the lathe operators’ skills competition was his second challenge. Last year, he participated in a professional contest among maintenance mechanics.
“I am studying for a degree in “Installation, Maintenance, and Repair of Industrial Equipment”. I try myself in different professions. Last year, I had an internship at Solikamskbumprom as a lathe operator, so I decided to test myself and demonstrate the knowledge and skills I’ve gained,” Konstantin shared. “I won't say that the trials are easy. I'm glad that everything was successful”.

In two months, the young man will graduate from the college and admits that the experience gained at the enterprise helped him decide on his future profession. After trying his hand at different professions, Konstantin believes he will most likely become a lathe operator.

For the first time, lathe operator Karapet Abgaryan from the mechanical repair shop took part in the competition. He has been working at Solikamskbumprom for three years and believes such events help gain new experience and unite the team.
“It’s great that you can participate, win, and improve your qualification grade. But that’s not the main thing for me. I was invited to take part and didn’t refuse. I want to support my workshop and my team,” he said. “Overall, the tasks are not difficult. I know how to read drawings.”

At a neighboring machine, Oksana Parfyonova, also a lathe operator from the mechanical repair shop, competed in the “Worker” category. The young woman has been working at Solikamskbumprom for just over a year. During this time, she has trained in her specialty and today has become a worthy competitor to her more experienced male colleagues.
The contestants’ work was evaluated by an experienced jury chaired by Vladimir Maltsev. The jury includes department heads, experienced foremen, and true professionals in their field.
“The participants show good preparation and a high level of competence. Of course, some feel nervous, but that’s normal and does not prevent them from successfully completing the tasks,” shared lathe operator Viktor Makhnach. “Unfortunately, there were no such competitions in my professional life, but I think they are very important. They motivate people to grow and improve their skills. I saw that during preparation, our participants read a lot of additional literature. The practical task was also well chosen, it requires demonstrating all professional competencies.”

It took about four hours for the lathe operators to determine the best among them. Everyone showed their maximum abilities and gave their all. But a competition is a competition, and only the best of the best became winners.

“This year in our region is held under the auspices of the Year of the Perm Industry, which once again underlines the importance of working professions and the role of labor collectives in the development of the region and the country as a whole,” emphasized Evgenia Pisotskaya, Director of Development at JSC "Solikamskbumprom. “The “Best in Profession” competition is one of the good traditions of Solikamskbumprom that we support and preserve. Today, our colleagues demonstrated a high level of professional knowledge and skills.”

Winners of the “Best in Profession. Lathe Operator” Competition:
Student Category:
1st place – Ruslan Chernyavin
2nd place – Maksim Shlyaykh
3rd place – Konstantin Gorozhaninov
Worker Category:
1st place – Oksana Parfyonova (Mechanical Repair Shop) – awarded 4th grade
2nd place – Roman Shvetsov (Mechanical Repair Shop) – awarded 3rd grade
Foreman Category:
1st place – Dmitry Bakan (Mechanical Repair Shop) – 6th grade
2nd place – Sergey Sucheninov (Central Repair Department, Vishera Unit) – awarded 5th grade
3rd place – Ramil Sharafiev (Central Repair Department, Vishera Unit) – awarded 5th grade

By tradition, winners and prize-winners in the “Worker” and “Foreman” categories received upgraded qualification grades. Students who achieved high results will receive additional points in their final college exams. The names of the winners in the “Master” and “Worker” categories will be entered into the Book of Excellence of JSC “Solikamskbumprom”.