BTK Group Seamstress Wins Bronze at the "Best in Profession" Skills Competition
The federal stage of the competition was held in Nizhny Novgorod Oblast from October 15 to 16. It brought together 26 contestants, all of whom were winners of the regional stages of the "Best in Profession" competition, as well as various corporate and industry championships. The youngest participant was 35 years old, while the most experienced was 56.
"Hosting the country's best seamstresses is a great responsibility and a huge joy for Nizhny Novgorod Oblast. We tried to welcome our guests warmly and created all the necessary conditions for the participants to showcase their skills, and for their supporters to stay entertained while awaiting the results. The competition program was rigorous: the contestants demonstrated solid theoretical knowledge, the ability to operate high-tech equipment, and the skill to perform complex operations requiring experience, precision, and total dedication. I congratulate the winner and wish all participants success in this challenging, important, and truly creative profession," noted Gleb Nikitin, Governor of Nizhny Novgorod Oblast.
Participants underwent theoretical and practical tests closely simulating real working conditions. In the theoretical block, contestants completed case studies and demonstrated their knowledge of production technology, an understanding of sewing equipment mechanics and specifications, and blueprint-reading skills. Additionally, the jury assessed their knowledge of occupational health and safety, industrial hygiene, and fire safety regulations. In the practical block, finalists processed a slit and a separately cut cuff, and then attached the cuff to a sleeve.
"In the modern world, professional seamstresses are in demand across various sectors: from the light industry, which includes clothing and home textile manufacturing, to the production of upholstered furniture, workwear, and personal protective equipment. The demand for such specialists is confirmed by labor market forecasts: by 2032, the economy will require nearly 50,000 additional seamstresses, embroiderers, and workers in related occupations. This is precisely why the 'Best in Profession' competition is so important: it shows young people that skilled trades are in demand and promising. Moreover, the competition participants—already established professionals with career achievements—serve as prime examples of career growth and professional development that can help youth choose their future field of work," noted Yan Talbatsky, Deputy Head of the Federal Service for Labor and Employment.
Nadezhda Denisova, who took first place, is a Grade 6 tailor working in the experimental sewing shop of LLC "Chaikovskaya Sewing Factory." She possesses skills in sewing a wide range of garments, from shirts and trousers to medical gowns and complex suits with special properties. She also participates in developing sewing methodologies for items made from fire-resistant, high-visibility, and acid-resistant fabrics, as well as garments with special coatings for protection against oil, petroleum, and water.
"Winning the 'Best in Profession' competition is not only a high recognition of my work but also a huge incentive to keep moving forward. Here, I underwent a true professional test and exchanged experience with colleagues from all over the country. Special words of gratitude go to my support group—thank you for being by my side on this challenging yet fascinating journey," shared Nadezhda Denisova.
Anna Kotova took second place. She works as a tailor-laboratory assistant in the design and technical department of LLC "Manufactures Bosco." According to the enterprise, Anna demonstrates a high production pace while maintaining stable product quality. Anna believes that to achieve mastery in the profession, one must take on any task and try everything.
The bronze medal went to Yulia Kiseleva, a seamstress at JSC "BTK Group." According to the company's management, her work with reference samples deserves special attention. Thanks to the high quality of her work, the development of new models is more efficient, and the launch of small-batch production runs faster. At the enterprise, Yulia also serves as a mentor for young specialists.
The participants' work was evaluated by an expert commission, which included Nadezhda Stepanova from Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, the winner of the 2025 "Best in Profession" competition in the "Seamstress" category.
In addition to the competitive trials, the venue hosted a fashion show featuring collections of various themes, including workwear, titled "Precision and Style: Author's Collections." A plenary session titled "From Russian Brand to Russian Production Chain" was also held. Guests were offered career guidance games, masterclasses in embroidery, weaving, and sewing, as well as a fair of light industry products.
It is worth noting that since 2025, the All-Russian "Best in Profession" competition has been part of the "Personnel" (Kadry) National Project and is held in two stages. Winners of the regional stages in each of the 25 competition categories gather in the host cities of the federal stages. The final competitions take place in different regions across Russia.
The top performers at the federal stages will receive monetary awards: 1 million rubles for first place, 500,000 rubles for second place, and 300,000 rubles for third place. The award ceremony for the 2026 winners will take place in December in Moscow.
The "Best in Profession" competition is organized by the Ministry of Labor of Russia, with the support of federal and regional authorities, all-Russian trade union associations, and employers. The competition operator is the All-Russian Research Institute of Labor (VNIIT).
