About 3,500 Russian military personnel have applied to participate in the Arctic Recruitment program, launched by the Russian Far East and Arctic Development Corporation and Nornickel, Minister for the Development of the Russian Far East and Arctic Alexei Chekunkov said on Friday.

“We launched an ambitious project, <...> we toured 44 military units in the Western and Southern Military Districts; now we are starting to work in the Central Military District and in the Northern Fleet, we spoke with conscripts, <...> we invited  them  to come to the Krasnoyarsk Territory upon completion of their service, offered them assistance in relocation, in acquiring the necessary skills and [offered] them the opportunity to link their fate with the Arctic, to work at Nornickel and, more broadly, in the economy of the Krasnoyarsk Territory. Almost 40% applied. Note to investors: 3,500 military personnel from 44 units is a statistically significant number. Young, strong and well-trained people have shown such an interest and are ready to work in the North, provided that a proposal is correctly formulated for them,” he said at a plenary session of the 11th International Forum Arctic: Today and the Future.

According to the minister, the project launched by the Far East and Arctic Development Corporation and Nornickel will be expanded.

The Arctic Recruitment Drive includes a set of measures to inform servicemen and those discharged  from active duty about employment opportunities at leading enterprises in the Arctic. Applicants will enjoy training for in-demand jobs, assistance in moving and further employment.