The monument, established on the initiative of “UEC-Aviadvigatel” and “UEC-Perm Engines” (part of Rostec United Engine Corporation, members of Russian Engineering Union (Soyuzmash of Russia)), has been awarded the highest regional award. Esteemed Russian sculptors Ivan Storozhev and Elena Simanova have been named winners of the 2024 Perm Krai Prize in Culture and Arts for creating the monument to the young workers of Perm's defense plants.
The monument was unveiled in November 2024 in Mikhail Subbotin Square. Its creation spanned five years and involved the Museum of the History of Perm Engine Building, the Veterans Council of “UEC-Perm Engines”, and the design, engineering, and construction services of both enterprises. The image of the boy-worker is based on a historical photograph of a young milling machine operator at an engine-building plant, Vanya Shilovsky.
The monument has become a landmark in Perm's cultural landscape – serving as a visible reminder of the valiant labor of teenagers during the Great Patriotic War and an important patriotic reference point. Along with the monument, a new tradition has emerged for engine builders: the initiation of young workers, which strengthens the continuity of generations and the sense of pride in the heroic past of the enterprise.
59 applications were submitted across 10 categories for the prize in culture and arts, with 34 projects becoming the prize winners. The official awards ceremony took place in December 2025 at the Perm Krai Philharmonic Hall with the participation of Governor of Perm Krai Dmitry Makhonin. All winners received an Honorary Diploma, an Honorary Badge, and a monetary award. The award in the “Visual Arts” category was presented to the monument's creators by an honorary citizen of the region, Chairman of the Perm City Public Organization “Veterans of Perm Motors” Rashid Dzunza.
“The most important thing is that we could immortalize numerous stories of the whole generation of engine builders. For me personally, the creation of this monument was a tribute to my mother, who was brought in Molotov (present-day Perm) in 1941 to the Sverdlov’s Plant where she worked until her retirement,” shared Elena Simanova.
The artistic concept for the monument to young workers came from Ivan Storozhev.
“The work on this project filled us with a sense of duty to the homefront workers. We are proud to have our work receive the acknowledgment – it means that people still have the memory of that heroic feat in their hearts and that this topic truly resonates with society,” said the sculptor.
