Miory Regional Executive Committee
For the first time this year, the Vitebsk State Agrarian and Technical College (VGATC) has admitted students to vocational programs for the gas industry. Alexander Yakubov, head of the educational institution, spoke to a BELTA correspondent about the progress of training future fitters, the employment guarantees provided by the employer, and the prospects for this specialization at the college.
A new cohort for training fitters specializing in the maintenance and repair of both gas-consuming equipment and external gas pipelines was established following an initiative by the State Enterprise "Vitebskoblgaz". In collaboration with the Main Department of Education of the Regional Executive Committee, it was decided that VGATC would serve as an ideal training facility for these new specializations. "The enterprise has supplied us with the necessary equipment for our training laboratories, while the Main Department of Education assisted with repairs in the production workshops. We have admitted 26 students this year, and all of them are guaranteed employment within the "Vitebskoblgaz" network. Currently, students are completing their secondary education curriculum, and starting next year, they will begin studying specialized subjects. Gas service specialists will conduct practical training sessions with students at the training center in Novka, which features a dedicated testing ground equipped with all the modern machinery currently used by gas industry professionals in their daily operations. In addition to obtaining qualifications in two fitter specializations, graduates of this cohort will also receive Category C driving licenses," the college director stated.
Since the beginning of the year, "Vitebskoblgaz" has already hosted students for field trips, creative contests, and professional skills competitions, and the enterprise will continue to maintain close cooperation with the college in workforce development.
Studying for the new specialty will take two years and ten months. Students will study the fitter trade according to the standard curriculum for this profession, after which they will be trained in the specifics of working with gas equipment. "The mandatory service period will last one year. It is already evident that many will remain in the profession, as the young people made their choice consciously, understanding that they were pursuing a new specialty. They all researched where they would apply beforehand, and here they were informed about the duties they will perform upon receiving their diploma, which has resulted in high motivation in their studies," Alexander Yakubov explained.
Among the students enrolled in the new specialty, there is also a young woman. Anastasia Tunkel is a resident of Vitebsk. She chose a profession that is unusual for women on her own. "I enjoy working with machinery and programming. When I was looking for where to apply, I saw an announcement on the website stating that enrollment for a new specialty at VGTCK was open, so I decided to give it a try. I plan to pursue higher education after college, but I may need to obtain secondary vocational education first. So far, I like my studies and believe I will handle all tasks equally well alongside the boys. I do not expect any special treatment for myself; I simply want to master this interesting profession," she shared.
Anastasia added that when her parents learned of her intention to enroll in this college, they asked only one question: "Can you handle it?" The young woman assured them that she would do everything possible to rank among the best.
Kirill Vaselevsky, a native of Senno, also took the risk of enrolling in the new specialty. He lives in the dormitory and receives three complimentary meals a day here, just like all out-of-town students. The young man is very satisfied with the conditions created at the college and in the dormitory, and he plans to build his life around his chosen profession. "No one in my family works in the gas industry, so I will be the first. This is a promising field with a stable salary, so I believe I will firmly establish myself in it. I would like to return to Senno and work there at the regional branch of Vitebskoblgaz to be closer to home," he noted.
Alexander Yakubov stated that the employer's plans include training workers for five consecutive graduating classes. "News of us has reached other regions, with inquiries already coming from Mogilev and Gomel, but we will first and foremost supply personnel to our own region. I consider "Vitebskoblgaz" to be an example of an enterprise that makes a proper contribution to workforce replenishment and cooperation with educational institutions, and such a specialist training system will provide them with a solid reserve of workers, as over five graduating classes they will receive approximately 150 individuals who will be guaranteed employment within the system," the college director emphasized.
Photo by Alexander Khitrov