How a KBSU student helps young people from low-income families find work: Mansur Ozdo’s grant project

In the first quarter of 2026, welders saw the most significant increase in salary offers in Russia, with a 148,100-ruble difference compared to the same period last year. This was reported by RIA Novosti, citing data from hh.ru.

Mansur Ozdo, a second-year student at the Institute of Electronics, Robotics, and Artificial Intelligence at KBSU, is implementing the «Vershina» project, which includes intensive educational courses and practical training in this field. Together with a team of experts, he teaches argon arc welding to young people from socially vulnerable groups and helps them find employment. The project covers three areas: manual metal arc welding (MMA), continuous electrode welding (MIG), and non-consumable electrode welding (TIG). The initiative is supported by a grant from the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs.

Recently, the project’s author held an open lecture for participants on «Welded Joints» and discussed key aspects of the technology, from the physical nature of the process to the specifics of weld quality control. The KBSU press service discussed the main goals and key results of «The Summit» with Mansur Ozdo.

— How did the idea for the «The Summit» project come about, and what does it include?

— The idea arose due to the shortage of welders in Ingushetia and the high unemployment rate of approximately 30%. The project includes training in various types of argon arc welding (TIG, MIG, MMA), the creation of art objects, and internships and employment opportunities for young people from low-income families. Our goal is to train and help find employment for 100 young people within a year.

— Who is on the project team? You and your colleagues previously worked on tourism projects. How did you transition to this new field?

These are active welding experts with the fifth category and impressive industrial experience, as well as SMM specialists. The transition was quite logical: all of the team’s projects are related to regional development and youth employment.

— Why did you choose young people from socially vulnerable groups for the project’s audience? What prevents these young people from mastering the profession without your help?

— These young people cannot afford the equipment and pay for courses costing approximately 40,000–60,000 rubles. Our project helps them master a new profession for free.

— In which industries is argon arc welding most commonly used?

— In aviation, automotive manufacturing, food processing, non-ferrous metalworking, and designer product creation.

— How are lectures and practical classes conducted with young people? How does welding training begin?

— We face several challenges: purchasing equipment, conducting classes, organizing internships, and final certification. Without the theory of welding, high-quality practice and safety are impossible. Lectures provide a foundation for working with various metals and drawings. Classes are held twice a week for two hours. Experts teach students theory, safety rules, and practical skills using the Toros and Aurora welding machines.

— During the training, each group creates art objects and metal paintings. Why is this important for a future welder in production?

— Creative assignments develop precision in work and build a portfolio, which is considered a crucial element when applying for industrial jobs. Employers value a welder who understands the aesthetics and strength of welds.

— What issues did you address at the strategy session at KBSU?

— The students gained not only fundamental theoretical knowledge but also practical insights necessary for working in industry. I would like to express special gratitude to the university’s Institute of Electronics, Robotics, and Artificial Intelligence for organizing the event, as well as to my supervisor and mentor, Beslan Vladimirovich Shogenov, who organized the meeting.

— The project includes internships at construction companies and auto repair shops in Ingushetia and Kabardino-Balkaria. Which employers do you collaborate with, and what criteria do you use to evaluate the participants’ work?

— Our partners: GANZ LLC, the Ingushetia Committee for Youth Affairs, and the Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Social Development of the Republic of Ingushetia. Organizations participate in the selection process based on their available positions and staffing needs. Evaluation criteria include weld quality, safety compliance, and the final art piece. The best participants receive jobs, while others receive assistance with internships—this is also important for gaining experience.

— What opportunities are opening up for specialists in the labor market in 2026?

— The welding shortage has worsened: in the North Caucasus Federal District, there is a low percentage of resumes per vacancy. There is a particular shortage of argon welders, although the region is in dire need of industrial specialists. We have studied the market and confirmed that welders are in demand in the construction, metalworking, and oil and gas industries. Salaries range from 60,000 to 100,000 rubles, and there’s the opportunity to start your own business.

— How many people have already completed the training and found work in production? What are your overall expectations?

— The project launched in November 2025, and since then we’ve prepared forty people. The best graduates, as promised, successfully found employment at GANZ LLC. In total, the program plans to train 100 people, hold five events, and generate 155,000 views of its publications.