OREANDA-NEWS. September 18, 2009. As part of the anti-crisis measures developed by the Russian Federation Government, OAO Kovdorsky GOK, a subsidiary of EuroChem, is participating in a pilot program of additional measures to decrease pressure in the Murmansk region labour-market. Together with the Kovdorsk employment center, advanced professional education is available for 160 of the company’s employees to develop further specialization. 1.5 million rubles of federal funding have been allocated for the program.

EuroChem management and specialists acknowledge the importance of this measure – the specific nature of mining production and Kovdorsky GOK’s anticipated restructuring  will require a mix of different skills and professions.

Kovdorsky GOK coursework is offered through Kovdorsk Polytechnic College in two 3-month sessions, without employees missing work.

The educational program includes theoretical curriculum, production practice and certification exams. Employees of the Zhelezny mine, crushing factory and concentrating complex are eligible for the educational programs. After training, employees will receive a certificate of governmental standard with a qualification rank for the chosen specialty: electro-gas welder, metalworker for equipment repair, production line operators, mills, pump stations, separators and flotation.

Professional development has been offered at Kovdorsky GOK almost since the company’s founding. Today it is licensed to provide instruction in 256 working specialties.