Karelian Students Spend Their “Vacation at the Factory”
The Petrozavodskmash plant in Karelia has organized Kanikuly na zavode (Vacation at the Factory), a career guidance program for school students.
Fourteen high school students from across the republic took part in the program. Participants tried their hand at engineering and skilled trades while learning about the digital technologies used in modern nuclear equipment manufacturing.
Hands-On Experience on the Factory Floor
The career guidance program included work in actual production areas. Students studied engineering documentation and worked with drawings and technical specifications. This gave them a first-hand look at how engineering designs are turned into real manufactured products.
One practical assignment involved assembling a pump casing model. Working under the guidance of mentors, participants performed assembly operations and learned about the precision and quality requirements involved. Such work requires practical skills as well as theoretical knowledge.
Students also learned about computer numerical control (CNC) machines. They saw how operators program parts for machining and watched the equipment at work. In particular, they studied automated welding equipment. Robotic welding systems perform operations with high precision and repeatability, which is critical for nuclear industry components. Production automation substantially improves product quality and safety.
Digital Design and Automation
Modern nuclear equipment manufacturing relies on digital technologies. At Petrozavodskmash, students saw engineers working with computer-aided design systems. Three-dimensional models of components are created on computers and then transferred to CNC machines for manufacturing. This allows engineers to quickly turn even ambitious concepts into physical products while reducing errors. Digital models make it possible to verify a design before physical production begins, optimize dimensions and materials, and calculate strength and stability.
Production automation goes beyond modern machine tools to include management systems, sensors, and software for planning and monitoring. Data is consolidated in a single system and used to analyze shop-floor operations. In practice, this can reduce downtime, anticipate maintenance needs and optimize equipment utilization.
Robotics Laboratory
The plant operates Karelia’s first robotics laboratory, opened as part of the company’s effort to develop its digital capabilities. There, students were introduced to industrial robotic arms that perform welding, assembly and other manufacturing operations.
The laboratory also serves as a training facility for robotics professionals. Engineers and production workers learn robot programming, equipment setup and automated system maintenance there. Students were able to see how robots are integrated into the manufacturing process.
Robots operate with consistent precision, do not tire and can perform tasks in conditions that are hazardous to people. This is particularly important when manufacturing equipment for nuclear power plants, where quality requirements are exceptionally stringent.
The laboratory is also used to test new technologies before they are deployed on the plant’s main production lines. Engineers refine programs, test robot accuracy and speed, and optimize manufacturing processes. This approach reduces the risks associated with production automation.
Building the Future Workforce
Kanikuly na zavode has demonstrated a successful approach to career guidance. Students performed specific tasks and interacted with working professionals. This hands-on format helps young people make informed decisions about their future careers.
Petrozavodskmash is part of Rosatom’s mechanical engineering division, AEM-Technology. The plant manufactures equipment for nuclear power plants, the oil and gas industry and other industrial sectors. It needs engineers, programmers, CNC machine operators, welders and other skilled professionals.
Career guidance programs help build a broad talent pipeline. Students who develop an interest in nuclear equipment manufacturing can enroll at technical universities and later return to work at the plant. Petrozavodskmash works with educational institutions in the Republic of Karelia and other regions, organizing plant tours, internships and employer-sponsored education programs.
The Kanikuly na zavode program at Petrozavodskmash gave students a first-hand look at how modern manufacturing works and the role that digital technologies, automation and robotics play in it.
