They are greeted by shoes. College teacher told about the secrets of training shoemakers

There is only one entry in Vladimir Nikiforov's workbook: "Minsk State College of Technology and Design of Light Industry". At 77, he is still voluntarily in the teaching ranks and assures: as long as he breathes, he will work. For more than half a century it has been preparing specialists who are worth their weight in gold in our country. And the fact that domestic shoe brands are known not only in Belarus, but also far beyond its borders, is undoubtedly his merit.

Over a thousand years of history, the shoemaker's profession has changed little. In it, Vladimir Nikiforov believes, as before, the main role is played not by technology, but by the skill of the performer. It is golden hands, not machines, that create beautiful shoes, comfortable boots and practical moccasins.

The Belarusian school of shoemakers was one of the best back in the USSR, and the forge of personnel for the industry was the MINSK Technical School of Light Industry, which was the name of the current college, where our hero first studied and then began to teach.

- After graduating from a technical school, I worked for several years as a master of industrial training, since 1971 I have been teaching production technology and partly - designing shoes. Now I am already at a venerable age, although I feel much younger, - the interlocutor smiles. - For decades, I got used to a certain regime: I woke up at seven in the morning, put myself in order, and walked from home to work, and this is about 10 thousand steps. My students, when they find out about my age, ask why I still work. And I honestly answer: it’s boring without a favorite thing. Being close to young people, feeling their energy is a great joy. Of course, all students have different characters and attitudes to life, so it is not always possible to immediately find contact. But sooner or later it turns out to be done. The main thing is to earn their trust and conduct a dialogue on an equal footing, without insults and scandals. My colleagues and I try to ensure that students receive the necessary professional knowledge, because it is hard to live without education in the modern world. We explain to the children that a diploma of specialized secondary education is the first stage, a ticket to a great life. And then there will be many forks: someone will enter a university, someone will get a job and start their journey from the very bottom in order to eventually achieve heights, and someone, like me, will go into pedagogy.

Vladimir Nikiforov is pleased that now the professions taught in their college are in demand in the country. In recent years, they have undeservedly lost their former attractiveness, but the common efforts, including the state, have returned everything to normal.

At 77 years old, the teacher easily speaks with young people in their language. The laptop has long settled in his house, and there are profiles in several popular social networks at once.

- I registered in Instagram and VKontakte. From time to time I go there to see how our youth present themselves. I want to understand what my pupils breathe, because we talk with the guys not only about studying, but also about such important topics as creating a family, relationships between boys and girls, various trends and subcultures, - he says. - Sometimes I see how much they depend on the Internet opinion. They read about other people's "feats", and then try to try them on themselves, because due to their age, they are not always able to work with incoming information, systematize it and think critically. I try to help see the situation already from the height of past years. But I always do it unobtrusively, tactfully, without crossing the boundaries of their personal space.

The profession of a shoemaker dates back to the Paleolithic era. The first shoes were made from birch bark, wood and skins of wild animals. Then real masters were worth their weight in gold. Now, according to the interlocutor, nothing has changed. The main role in the shoe business is still played by professionalism. According to the teacher, to release a good shoemaker is not an easy task. Shoemakers, cutters, tighteners are unique specialists in demand on the labor market. For example, one of the most important on the way to ready-made comfortable and comfortable shoes is the work of a shoemaker. A block is like a foundation for a house. It depends on it the height of the heel, the completeness of the model, the comfort of wearing. If the block is made incorrectly, it can provoke flat feet and scoliosis.

The most numerous group of shoemakers are assemblers who take over from cutters. Their "eparchy" is from assembling the top to attaching the bottom. The more elements are provided, the more operations they have to perform.

In order for a beginner to understand the technological process, one theory is not enough, the expert believes. The profession of a shoemaker is known through hands! Therefore, Belarusian manufacturers, in the form of sponsorship, provide the college with ready-made samples for practical training.

- We cut them and see what parts, materials the boots or boots are made of. We study to the smallest detail: how the finished top is put on the block, how thread seams are made and the sole is glued, - explains the mentor. - To learn to be a shoemaker, you need to love this profession. Technology, styles, shoe designs are constantly changing. This means that you have to constantly master new work algorithms and operations. And if you plan to get a diploma and abandon it for a while, then you will never become a great specialist. They used to say: one must choose a profession, like a wife, once and for all. I have gone the right way in my life. And this is happiness.

People say that they are greeted by clothes. But our hero is sure: especially observant ones look not at clothes, but at shoes.

- It is she who can tell a lot about the owner: about his status, interests, wealth, taste, - Vladimir Nikiforov believes. - It is unlikely that a successful businessman will wear artificial leather or frilly shoes. And it is important for young people to buy what is in trends, fashionable novelties. Moreover, natural leather they are not particularly honored. All without exception in sneakers and sneakers go, although it is harmful to the leg. Sports shoes, due to the lack of pad relief, cannot adequately support the spine, and this creates problems for posture. Women are often more concerned about appearance than comfort when choosing shoes. The accuracy of a person can be judged by the degree of polishing of the shoes.

According to the interlocutor, there is a special category of buyers who, when choosing shoes, are guided by advertising, chasing brands and are ready to overpay for them.

- Although now technology has gone ahead and a lot of good, relatively inexpensive shoes are being produced. For example, taking into account the price and quality, I prefer Belarusian shoemakers. In my opinion, today they produce quite a worthy product, - he concludes.

Vladimir Nikiforov, by his own admission, is a man of the old formation. Therefore, he always tries to look like a teacher: an ironed shirt, a tie, a strict jacket. When it's hot, he can put on something lighter, but in general he makes high demands on his appearance .

He speaks with great warmth about his wonderful team, where everyone around understands each other, is always ready to listen and support. Vladimir Nikiforov recalls how wonderfully they celebrated his 70th birthday.

“Our DIRECTOR Olga Anatolyevna Runets gave the command to hold events on a grand scale,” he recalls. - Came to college and my relatives. I was very worried, my wife even began to worry, as if something had not happened to me from an overabundance of emotions. Colleagues and students then arranged an unforgettable holiday , which lasted almost two hours. I have heard so many kind words! So many songs and poems dedicated to me! This attitude inspires, makes you work even better. Although a year ago he tried to retire, they didn’t let him, they persuaded him to stay ... Can you refuse them? Well, okay, I decided ... As long as I breathe, I will work.

According to colleagues, the physical form of their mentor and the young can envy: a cheerful gait, a well-trained voice, almost no wrinkles on his face, memory is excellent.

“Much depends on heredity,” the interlocutor believes. - My mother, for example, lived for almost 89 years. My parents survived the war, and it would seem that this big trouble should affect their HEALTH , but still, by today's standards, my mother is practically a long-liver. My two sisters and two brothers and I were brought up far from being luxurious. The food was simple, but natural, without any additives, dyes and flavor enhancers. We weren't spoiled for hamburgers. We ate black bread, lard, porridge, drank MILK. I believe that this laid the foundation for future health. My siblings, by the way, are still alive. And our grandchildren eat various "sweets", sweets and spoil their bodies. And the environment leaves much to be desired. Previous Soviet generations, however, did not have such health problems.

According to Vladimir Nikiforov, a happy marriage can also extend a person's life. He himself married quite early. Lilya is also a graduate of the technical school of light industry. They have been under the same roof and last name for 53 years. They gave birth to a daughter and a son. We are proud of the achievements of our grandchildren.

- When asked what is the secret of our long marriage, I answer, perhaps not very original, but frankly. In order for the family to be in harmony, it is necessary to give in to each other. If troubles arise, do not grab the suitcase and run to your parents, but try to sort everything out yourself, - says Vladimir Ivanovich. - Life is not always smooth sailing. No one else in a couple has managed to live without disagreements and resentment. You just need to learn to forgive, respect each other, appreciate good relationships and be grateful for the years you have lived together.

was created at the expense of earmarked funds for the production of national content.

Elena NIKOLAEVA,

photo - Tatyana MATUSEVICH,

newspaper "7 days".