The workshop has eight workstations fitted with modern equipment, a ventilation system and a compressed air supply. The premises have a stable internet connection and multimedia facilities. Specialists from Dorogobuzh installed and connected the equipment, set up the ventilation system, provided health and safety training materials, and interior decoration.
The workshop is designed to deliver vocational training modules and courses related to industrial process automation, and computer systems and networks. The new facility will also host intermediate and final state assessments in the form of a practical demonstration exam for students at both basic and specialised levels. The workshop has all the equipment needed to provide practical training and internships for future instrumentation and automation technicians.
As part of a career guidance programme, the workshop will hold introductory practical sessions for schoolchildren interested in becoming instrumentation and automation technicians or low-voltage system installers. It will also offer advanced courses in the electrical installation of electronic devices, as well as vocational training, professional retraining and continuing professional education programmes for instrumentation and automation technicians.
Marina Kochubaeva, Director of the Safonovo branch of the Smolensk Academy of Vocational Training, presented a letter of appreciation to Roman Dmitriev, Dorogobuzh Executive Director. She expressed her gratitude for the company’s significant contribution to the development of the institution’s training facilities and for funding the establishment of the modern training workshop.
‘Thanks to Dorogobuzh’s support, our students now have the opportunity to train for in-demand jobs using equipment that meets the highest industry standards. Our cooperation with the leading producer in our region includes dual education programmes, company-sponsored education agreements, internships, professional skill competitions. Dorogobuzh specialists also sit on final examination panels. The company contributes to improving the quality of education by providing young specialists with up-to-date knowledge and hands-on skills required for successful career development’, said Ms Kochubaeva.
Dina Khnycheva, Deputy Chair of the Smolensk Region Government and Minister of Education, thanked Dorogobuzh’s management and staff and expressed hope that cooperation between the regional authorities and the company would continue to strengthen: ‘I would like to highlight Dorogobuzh’s proactive approach to working with local colleges. The company is upgrading and expanding training facilities, participating in the educational process and enriching vocational training with hands-on experience. This helps to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and real industrial practice. It is encouraging to see our cooperation growing and bringing mutual benefits to both Smolensk region and Dorogobuzh.’
Between 2020 and 2025, Dorogobuzh hired 87 graduates from the Safonovo branch of the Smolensk Academy of Vocational Training as specialists in industrial process automation, computer systems and networks, industrial automation equipment, industrial robotics operation and maintenance, mechanical engineering technology, polymer composite manufacturing technology, economics and accounting. Over 170 students completed internships at Dorogobuzh, 39 students signed company-sponsored education agreements, and 40 students are currently combining their school studies with vocational training.