The EdUP project hosted a professional skills competition, bringing together 50 participants from across Ukraine to Vinnytsia. Among them were 25 vocational students training as welders and 25 production training instructors who supported their students throughout the event.
A Showcase of Skills: Practical and Theoretical Challenges
Participants demonstrated their expertise through both theoretical knowledge and practical application across four welding methods:
1️⃣ MMA – Manual Metal Arc Welding.
2️⃣ MIG/MAG – Gas Metal Arc Welding.
3️⃣ TIG – Gas Tungsten Arc Welding.
4️⃣ Gas Welding.
During breaks, participants and educators had the chance to practice on virtual welding simulators provided by ABICOR BINZEL Ukraine. These high-tech simulators replicate welding processes with precision, helping improve skills and enhance professional training.
In addition to the competition, instructors attended a workshop on “Effective Teaching Skills”, focusing on refining feedback methods and communication strategies.
Fair and High-Quality Evaluation by European Standards
The practical tasks were assessed based on European standards, ensuring fairness and top-quality judging. The panel included experts from the Ukrainian Welders’ Association (TZU), led by technical expert and TZU member Oleksandr Vorobiov.
📌 “This competition is modeled after the WorldSkills framework. The tasks and evaluation system meet European standards, helping participants prepare for international competitions,” noted Oleksandr Vorobiov, the competition’s technical expert.
A Symbolic Time for Ukraine’s Reconstruction
Andrii Bezuhlii, Director of Vocational School No. 5 in Vinnytsia, emphasized the symbolic timing of the competition:
📌 “Our school was established in 1946 after World War II to train builders for Ukraine’s reconstruction. Today, our country faces a similar challenge—to rebuild itself. Skilled professionals, particularly welders, are essential for this task. Events like this competition contribute to achieving that goal.”
Support from Esteemed Partners
The event was made possible thanks to the support of leading Ukrainian and international companies:
- Paton International,
- Donmet Factory,
- Sumi-Electrode LLC,
- Insight Ukraine,
- Kemppi Sammit – Welding Technologies,
- ABICOR BINZEL Ukraine.
These partners provided state-of-the-art equipment, materials, and technical support to ensure the competition’s high standards.
Inspiration in Action: The Story of Yulia Berehuliak
A standout participant was Yulia Berehuliak, the only female contestant. Her journey is a testament to determination and passion.
Inspired by her father, a welder, Yulia developed a love for welding and engineering from a young age. Now a first-year student at the Interregional Higher Vocational School of Automotive Transport and Construction, she has already proven herself to be an ambitious and talented learner.
📌 “I trained with semi-automatic welding at college and learned argon welding at a factory. During the competition, I competed using both methods, and it went great!” Yulia shared.
