October 5,  2020

New Russian academic year sees continued cooperation between Cherkizovo and universities

At the start of Russia's new academic year, Cherkizovo Group held a number of meetings with students and senior staff of various universities in Moscow, the company said last month.

The purpose of the meetings was to encourage students to embrace apprenticeship opportunities at Cherkizovo's production facilities and discuss further R&D collaboration with the universities.

On September 28, Cherkizovo representatives met with students from Razumovsky Moscow State University of Technologies and Management. They talked to sophomores about the dual education system implemented jointly by the university and the company's production facilities. Additionally, they discussed career opportunities in the meat processing sector.

"This year, apprenticeship at Cherkizovo Group has seen applications not only from our students, but also from other Russian universities that train food industry specialists. The competitive selection process is already underway. I hope that, despite the tough competition, each and every one of you passes the selection process and qualifies for the dual education programme at Cherkizovo. That way, you can learn on the job and obtain a secondary qualification. Embark upon a path towards a successful career, and the university will make every effort to support you," said Valentina Ivanova, the university's rector.

At the meeting, Cherkizovo Group was represented by Denis Kudryavtsev, head of R&D, and Ekaterina Shklyarenko, head of training for production personnel.

"The dual education programme helps bring university and business goals closer into line," said Shklyarenko. Students will learn and practice new skills over the course of a year, and at the end of it, those who perform best will be offered permanent positions at Cherkizovo.

"It all depends on their diligence and willingness to learn," said Shklyarenko.

The goal of the Dual Education project is to provide Cherkizovo with the skilled meat processing professionals. As part of the programme, students study theory at the university three days a week, and spend two days a week at Cherkizovsky Meat Processing Plant. During apprenticeship, students will be learning a trade. At the end of the training, they will take an exam to demonstrate their professional competencies.

Last month, the head of Cherkizovo's R&D laboratory, Sergey Shapovalov, met with the rector of the Skryabin Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology, Sergei Pozyabin, assistant rector Viktor Stepanishin and dean of the veterinary medicine department Pavel Abramov.

They discussed potential R&D collaborations, a dual education programme for the academy's students and practical training opportunities at Cherkizovo's R&D lab.

The academy also expressed interest in participating in Cherkizovo's regional youth programmes.

- Cherkizovo