UrBC, Yekaterinburg, September 2, 2015. 150 first-year students on ChTPZ Group's Future of White Metallurgy Program were given their student ID cards in the course of a solemn ceremony on September 1, the company press service reports.

'Thanks to the company shareholders, students are provided with the best learning-conducive conditions here in Pervouralsk. You are the country's future blue-collar elite. We hope you come back to work at the company departments very soon,' Managing Director of Pervouralsk New Pipe Plant (a member enterprise of ChTPZ Group) Alexander Isaikin said to the freshmen.

During their first week at school, the students' task is to familiarize themselves with the production processes, get to know more about the corporate values, and attend team-building seminars. 60% of their later studies/practice will take place immediately at the plant.

This year, there were 2.3 applicants per position on the program. Most people applied for Operation and Maintenance of Electrical and Electro-Mechanical Equipment (more than 3 applicants per position with the GPA of 4.12 out of 5.0).

Out of this year's 150 freshmen, 19 are female. All of the straight-A students will be allocated a monthly stipend of 5,000 RUR.