Employees of Irkutsk Oil Company (INK) have recently earned the prestigious title of "Professional Engineer of Russia" following their participation in the XXV All-Russian competition "Engineer of the Year 2024." This recognition places them among the elite group of professional engineers across the country. According to reports from Neftegaz.RU, over 70,000 participants from 60 regions took part, with 417 laureates announced, including awards for 284 professional engineers and 133 young engineering talents across 52 categories.
Among the notable winners from INK was Andrey Kazakov, who claimed top honors within the category for "Transport and Road Construction." Other significant contributors included Gleb Farkhutdinov, who participated as the chief technologist for the oil and gas industry; Maxim Konovaltsiev, the leading engineer for technological video monitoring; and Vadim Chernitskiy, the leading automation engineer. These professionals stood out as winners during the federal stage of the competition dedicated to professional engineers.
The success at the competition can be attributed to the comprehensive portfolios presented by the INK specialists. These portfolios showcased various implemented projects, scientific contributions, and standout professional achievements. Each participant not only received individual recognition but collectively elevated the reputation of INK within the engineering community.
This annual contest, regarded as the largest social initiative focused on engineering advancement, aims to discover and disseminate best practices and accomplishments among engineering professionals. It is organized by the Russian Union of Scientific and Engineering Public Associations, underlining its importance within the industry.
INK's commitment to fostering engineering talent is evident through its various educational projects aimed at personal and professional growth. The company operates a dedicated engineering school, which offers training programs lasting one and a half to two years, covering eight distinct fields. Graduates from this program are awarded skills development certificates, alongside credentials from external educational institutions participating within the initiative.
Remarkably, the current year saw 984 new students commenced their training at the engineering school, indicating strong interest and investment in the development of future engineering leaders at INK. The company consistently ranks as the foremost independent hydrocarbon producer within Russia, demonstrating exceptional growth since its establishment in 2000. Engaging primarily in geological exploration, the searching, and development of mineral deposits across the Irkutsk region, Krasnoyarsk Territory, and the Sakha Republic, INK has solidified its position as one of the top five employers within the energy, extraction, and processing sectors.
Once again, the competition serves as proof of INK's standing as not only a model employer but also as an incubator for engineering excellence. By providing opportunities for recognition and skill enhancement, the company reaffirms its mission of promoting the highest standards within the engineering profession.
With the acknowledgment of their achievements at the XXV All-Russian competition, the employees of INK have not only brought pride to their company but to the wider engineering community across Russia.