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Kyiv Cardboard and Paper Mill is actively developing partnerships with educational institutions, viewing education as a strategic investment in its own future. According to the company’s press service, this approach creates conditions under which young specialists can combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills, gaining hands-on experience directly in production.

“The success of an industrial enterprise is determined not only by technology but, above all, by human potential. Kyiv Cardboard and Paper Mill, which has more than 40 years of experience in the industry and is part of the Austrian Pulp Mill Holding under the leadership of Dr. Heinz Zinner, is actively building a talent pool and investing in personnel development,” noted the press service.

Young specialists – a strategic resource for the development of the cardboard and paper industry

Overall, the Ukrainian labor market is seeing a growing demand for technical professions and a shortage of personnel in the manufacturing sector. Analysts note that the lack of qualified workers is hindering the development of industry, which is why companies are actively developing internship programs and dual education initiatives.

Currently, the cardboard and paper industry primarily needs process engineers, production line operators, and specialists in economics and logistics. As the level of automation increases, enterprises are increasingly seeking university graduates who possess knowledge of modern production systems and digital technologies.

Kyiv Cardboard and Paper Mill is actively developing a multi-vector model of cooperation with leading educational institutions in the capital region and across Ukraine.

Today, the mill has signed cooperation memorandums with 10 partner institutions, including universities and vocational colleges. The key forms of interaction with higher education institutions used by the enterprise include:

• Internships – industrial and pre-graduation placements lasting from 2 weeks to 4 months, during which students work on real projects under the guidance of experienced mentors.
• Practical training – more than 100 students undergo training in various departments of the enterprise each year, with the possibility of subsequent employment.
• Mentorship program – each young specialist is assigned a personal mentor.
• Excursions – regular orientation visits for student groups (2–4 groups per month, 15–25 participants each), during which KCPM specialists demonstrate production processes and present career opportunities.

In particular, on October 30, a delegation National Technical University of Ukraine
“Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute” visited the mill for an educational excursion.

Personal visit to the mill exceeded students’ expectations

Bohdan Konosh, a third-year student of National Technical University of Ukraine, noted that the scale of production and the level of automation at Kyiv Cardboard and Paper Mill impressed him.

“I liked that everything in the workshops is organized to minimize the need for manual labor. Most stages of production are robotized and computerized. I’m confident that at such an enterprise I would be able to fully realize myself as a specialist,” said Bohdan.

The students were impressed by Kyiv Cardboard and Paper Mill as a place where hard-working and proactive young people can gain valuable experience and professional support.

Theory plus practice: Kyiv CPM helps students obtain dual education

The mill is actively implementing elements of dual education, in which students spend 60% of their time training directly at the production site, gaining practical skills alongside theoretical preparation.

“The best graduates are guaranteed employment at KCPM and receive an individualized career path. We adapt the specialist training process to the needs of the mill and build a strong talent pool. An active position on the part of the educational institution is also important in this process, as it contributes to the future career opportunities of its students,” said Olha Komar, Director of Administration and Legal Affairs and Human Resources at Kyiv Cardboard and Paper Mill PJSC.

From internship to employment: how the mill becomes a reliable employer for young specialists

Over the current year, more than 100 students from 14 different educational institutions completed internships and practical training at the enterprise. 78% of the trainees received positive feedback from their mentors, and 20% of them accepted job offers and continued working at KCPM.

Modern youth often choose jobs in the IT sector or look for employment opportunities abroad. Therefore, Kyiv Cardboard and Paper Mill has developed a comprehensive approach to attracting a new generation of specialists. The company provides young employees with everything they need for a successful start:

• Paid training and professional mentorship.
• Modern ergonomic workplaces, corporate transportation, and medical insurance.
• Competitive salaries (15–20% above the market level for starting positions), a social benefits package, and opportunities for steady career growth.
• Financial support system for young people under 25.
• Housing support program for specialists arriving from other regions.

Kyiv Cardboard and Paper Mill PJSC is forming a team of the future

The HR department of Kyiv CPM maintains constant communication with educational institutions, participates in job fairs, conducts workshops, meetings, and student surveys. In addition, the mill uses a comprehensive system for assessing the effectiveness of its cooperation with young people.

“This allows us to reduce the costs of onboarding new employees by 40%, since graduates who have completed practical training integrate into work processes much faster. Their productivity is achieved 3-4 months sooner compared to employees without hands-on experience. We organize feedback sessions with educational institutions to adjust internship programs. This model enables us not just to attract ready-made specialists, but to develop them according to the needs of the enterprise, investing in the company’s future,” explained Nataliia Halytska, Head of the HR Department at Kyiv Cardboard and Paper Mill PJSC.

The company’s press service reported that fresh ideas, modern thinking, and the synergy of specialist training in cooperation with leading universities serve as a powerful driver of innovation, helping KCPM remain an industry leader and look confidently into the future.

Based on the material of ukranews.com.

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