In the Kirov colonies, seamstresses and welders competed.

      The competition "Best in Profession among Convicts" took place in two colonies. In IK-33 (Kotelnich), seamstresses competed, while in IK-5 (Kirovo-Chepetsk), electric welders worked on automatic and semi-automatic machines.

      The program consisted of two stages. First, participants underwent a ten-minute theoretical knowledge test. Then they were given 120 minutes for practical work—performing their usual duties in production areas.

      Each task element was assessed on a ten-point scale depending on its significance and complexity. In grading, jury members considered the appearance of the contestants, the quality of the completed work, the time spent, as well as compliance with labor safety and fire safety regulations. The press service of the Federal Penitentiary Service noted that all participants demonstrated good theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

      The competition aimed to enhance the professional skills of the trained convicts, improve labor organization, and promote and elevate the prestige of working professions.

      In the 2025-2026 academic year, over 1.3 thousand convicts underwent vocational training. All of them are employed in production facilities within correctional institutions.

      Training for convicts is organized in 24 professions: seamstress, frame maker, electrician for repair and maintenance of electrical equipment, welder, cook, baker, rigger, boiler operator, laborer, sawmill operator, woodworking machine operator, tool grinder for woodworking tools, wood stacker, mason, shoe assembler, cutter, repair mechanic, construction carpenter, cutter, laundry and clothing repair operator, automotive repair mechanic.

      The Federal Penitentiary Service emphasizes that vocational training and education for convicts is an integral part of their resocialization, allows for targeted labor engagement, and helps them determine their life path after release.