Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –
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In September 2025, the large-scale industry championship PetroChemSkills, organized by SIBUR according to WorldSkills standards, took place. This key event for blue-collar workers and students from technical universities aims to highlight the prestige of working in the industry and provide opportunities for developing professional competencies. Participation in PetroChemSkills brought the SPbPU team not only competitive experience and knowledge but also victory in the "Digital Substation" category.
In 2025, the championship saw a significant increase in the number of young participants: over 60 students from schools, colleges, and universities across the country competed in 20 competencies. Among the new features was a separate competency, "Digital Substation," which was previously part of the "Maintenance and Repair of Relay Protection and Automation Equipment" program. Representatives from leading Russian energy universities, including Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, competed for the title of best in this promising discipline.
Polytechnic University was represented by the Institute of Energy team, consisting of Andrei Klevakin, a second-year master's student at the Higher School of High Voltage Power Engineering (major: "Automation of Electric Power Systems"), and expert and senior lecturer at HSE, Aleksandr Bogdanov.
"In my university classes, we talked a lot about the IEC 61850 standard, its application, and the rapid development of digital substations. I was very interested in this topic, so I wanted to develop my knowledge further, including trying my hand at some kind of competition," shared Andrey Klevakin.
In addition to the competitive atmosphere, the championship also provided a unique platform for professional networking. It brought together practicing specialists (adjusters, operators, designers) and students from various universities. The organization and judging were provided by leading specialists from equipment manufacturers: EKRA, Mekhanotronika, ChEAZ, Prosoft Systems, Kyland, and Tekvel.
"We met colleagues from other universities, representatives of equipment manufacturers, judges, and supervisors. There was a lot of communication, and I learned from the experience of the older generation," Andrey said. "I think I performed very well, but I realized there were aspects of equipment setup that I wasn't familiar with. I have the theoretical foundation; all I need to do is gain experience using various equipment, taking into account the specifics of each manufacturer."
The championship organizers conducted training at the Tekvel training center and organized a tour of the ZapSibNeftekhim oil refinery, as well as an operating digital substation, which is used as a test site for new equipment.
Alexander Bogdanov summarized: "Participation provided new contacts, competitive experience, an assessment of my capabilities, and an understanding of what to strive for. It was an opportunity to learn and exchange opinions with professionals and to look at existing problems from the manufacturers' perspective."
Participation in projects like PetroChemSkills allows our students and faculty to stay at the forefront of energy technology trends, strengthen ties with industry partners, and contribute to the training of highly qualified personnel for the future of Russia's digital energy sector.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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