The largest organisation in our district is DKUSP "Lepel PMK-75". On the eve of a professional holiday, we met with a young woman who makes premises and buildings beautiful – plasterer Darya Chumak.

Perhaps many do not need an introduction to Dasha, as we see her on the district stage at various events.

Darya Chumak is a creative personality. While studying at the agricultural technical college, she actively participated in the theatrical and musical life of the educational institution. She performed roles in theatrical productions and was involved in vocals, including performing patriotic songs dedicated to Belarus. Darya was also a participant in the cultural project "Udaranya Zhizn" during her studies, which gives students the opportunity to express themselves and develop their creative potential.

In addition, our interviewee was involved in the inclusive theatre group "Dva Kryla" (Two Wings), which brings together students and people with visual impairments. The young woman participated many times in events of the agricultural technical college and other cultural events in the district.

She was a multiple winner of both district and regional competitions, and represented the college at many festivals.

Now Dasha is participating in the television project "Zvyozdny Put" (Star Path). She made a strong impression at the qualifying round in the Vitebsk region. Not only her vocal abilities but also her stage presence and image turned the strict jury into fans of the budding star from the very first chords.

For those who don't know, "Zvyozdny Put" is a popular vocal show on ONT! Experienced producers work with the project participants. They share their knowledge with each of them and consider them as potential artists on the Belarusian stage. Dasha joined Evgeny Oleinik's team and is now working online with professional vocal coaches.

Evgeny Oleinik, an Honoured Artist of Belarus, composer, and producer of the group "Aura", is a well-known figure in our country. He is the author of such hits as "Bol Zemli" (Pain of the Earth), "Litasci Malu da Belarusi" (Mercy I Beg for Belarus), "Pomnite" (Remember), "Lyubimuyu ne Otdadut" (They Won't Give Away Their Beloved). Evgeny's creative portfolio includes gratitude from the President of the Republic of Belarus.

According to Darya, participating in the project is a unique opportunity provided to her by the organisers (the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus, ONT television channel, and Musical Media Company).

Daria is a resident of Lepel. She performed on stage even when she was studying at Secondary School No. 3. After nine grades, she enrolled in college. In March of this year, the young woman graduated from the Lepel State Agrarian-Technical College with honors in the specialty of "Construction Technician" and began her professional career.

Judging by the physical exertion and working conditions, the profession of a plasterer should be a male occupation. However, practice shows that women do it better. Currently, Daria, along with her young colleagues and mentors, is working in the village of Domzheritsy on the interior finishing of an apartment building. ...Therefore, we could only meet in the evening.

— Are you tired?

— A little, but I'm getting used to it, gradually getting into the profession. I already understand how to hold tools correctly, how to distribute the load, how to work efficiently.

Much has to be learned in practice. I have already learned several professional secrets that are not taught in classrooms – how to achieve a perfectly smooth surface, how to work with capricious decorative plasters, how to correct mistakes with minimal loss of time and materials. I am sure I will succeed because I like the profession. I do not regret choosing this particular field. Although it is not easy, you come home in the evening exhausted. But when you see the result of your work, it is pleasant to see how clean and beautiful it has become. You realize that it was all worth it.

— How were you accepted by the team?

— Well. Senior colleagues help, advise, and offer additional guidance, for which I am very grateful.

It is gratifying that one of the areas of work of trade unions in supporting young people is assistance in adapting to their first job. The mentorship system is in place in almost all organizations across various sectors of the economy. Mentorship plays a special role in industrial enterprises, as each production process has its own specifics. And in many cases, general training in an educational institution is insufficient. Therefore, from the first working day, experienced mentors are assigned to young people who help them quickly integrate into the work process.

— What advice would you give to those who want to choose this profession but are hesitant?

— If someone is hesitant about whether to master such a profession – it is definitely worth it! It is a sought-after profession in the market and an opportunity to see the results of your labor.

In addition to being tired from work, the young specialist also practices vocals in the evening, and sometimes manages to visit the sports complex and play volleyball. She was invited to the team by a physical education teacher from the college.

Speaking of prospects, today the most promising specialist is one who can work not only with their head but also with their hands. They will definitely earn a living. Daria is one of those people.