Student work detachments are more than just a way to earn extra money - they are a true school of life. This year, the "Energia" student work detachment from the Brest State Technical University (BrGTU) - named after the Great Patriotic War partisan Pavel Vasilyevich Pronyagin - is continuing this proud tradition. Having accepted the banner for the labor semester, the detachment members have begun working at the Minsk Automobile Plant (MAZ) as part of the "Avtozavodets 2026" national student labor project.
The "Avtozavodets" initiative is one of the flagship labor projects of the Belarusian Republican Youth Union. In 2026, MAZ plans to employ approximately one thousand students, and the "Energia" detachment from Brest has become a valued part of this large team. For these young people, it is a unique opportunity not only to earn an income but also to engage with the history and current reality of the Belarusian automotive industry.
MAZ is consistently ranked among the best employers for student detachments. The company does more than just provide jobs; it takes responsibility for the young workers, ensuring comfortable living conditions, a structured workday, nutritious meals, and, of course, fair wages.
The detachment members have been assigned to various workshops and sections across this industrial giant. Under the guidance of experienced mentors, the students are mastering professional trades. While some begin by preparing components or working in warehouses, those with more preparation are already integrated into the rhythm of the main assembly line.
However, life in a student detachment is about much more than just early wake-up calls, the clatter of machinery, and the hum of the assembly line. As soon as the work shift ends, the second - and equally important - part of life within the student detachment begins: the "commissar" (social and organizational) activities. It is this aspect that transforms a group of workers into a true family.
The project program is packed with events:
- Creative contests: At the "Avtozavodets 2026" (Auto-worker 2026) project, a "Team Introduction" contest was held, giving each detachment a chance to showcase its best qualities.
- Sports competitions: Tournaments were organized in darts, tug-of-war, checkers, and table tennis, pitting the various detachments against one another.
- Memorable highlights: Participants attended a "Student Detachment School" (BSO School) and visited the Film Actor’s Theater-Studio, where they watched the play "Privates" (Ryadovye), among other activities.
We spoke with members of the "Energia" (Energy) detachment to find out how their work semester is going.
Nikita Filyuta, 2nd-year student, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering:
"It’s really interesting at the factory! There’s always work to be done. I work in the bus assembly and welding shop. My tasks usually involve sub-assembly and preparing parts for the final assembly of units."
Yury Apanovich, 2nd-year student, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering:
"I’m happy with everything at the factory; the team welcomed us right away. The work varies - sometimes I’m screwing down plywood flooring, other times I’m working on the bus exterior, or handling sub-assembly tasks. I also like the dormitory; the rooms are good, and each one has its own shower, toilet, and sink. The only slight drawback is the lack of a kitchen, but that’s made up for by the breakfast provided before the shift and dinner afterward."
The "Avtozavodets 2026" project also serves as a powerful networking opportunity. Members of the "Energiya" (Energy) detachment work side by side with students from other Belarusian universities, exchanging experience and strengthening inter-university ties.
We wish the P.V. Pronyagin "Energiya" detachment great success in their work, a high level of individual contribution, and resounding victories!
