LocationsPart electrician, part programmer – that's what today's electrical installation specialist looks like. Rather than wielding screwdrivers, they carry tablets loaded with smart home software, and instead of following standard diagrams, they tackle industrial automation challenges. How digitalization has transformed the profession and why launching a career at 17 has become the new normal – can be seen through one young Belarusian specialist's remarkable journey.
Electrical installation in the digital age: From wires to code
August 12, 2025
Photo: UNDP in Belarus
The digitalization of blue-collar work represents one of the most significant shifts in today's labor market. Research by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on emerging roles in agriculture, construction and engineering suggests that within a decade, digital literacy will be essential for most specialists, as Belarusian enterprises increasingly adopt automated production lines and digital project management systems.
For young people, mastering tomorrow's skills isn't merely necessary – it's transformative. Ivan Gavrilik's story exemplifies this perfectly. At 14, he enrolled at Minsk State College of Innovative Construction Technologies. By 17, he had already emerged as one of the field's most promising young talents.
This May, the teenager achieved outstanding results at the VI Republican Professional Skills Competition "ProfSkills Belarus 2025", claiming first place nationally and second internationally in electrical installation. His experience demonstrates that modern vocational training isn't a consolation prize, but rather an express route to success in a promising sector.
Ivan Gavrilik with his instructor Dmitry Petrik, national expert in the "Electrical Installation" competency.
Photo: UNDP in Belarus
The digitalization of blue-collar work represents one of the most significant shifts in today's labor market. Research by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on emerging roles in agriculture, construction and engineering suggests that within a decade, digital literacy will be essential for most specialists, as Belarusian enterprises increasingly adopt automated production lines and digital project management systems.
For young people, mastering tomorrow's skills isn't merely necessary – it's transformative. Ivan Gavrilik's story exemplifies this perfectly. At 14, he enrolled at Minsk State College of Innovative Construction Technologies. By 17, he had already emerged as one of the field's most promising young talents.
This May, the teenager achieved outstanding results at the VI Republican Professional Skills Competition "ProfSkills Belarus 2025", claiming first place nationally and second internationally in electrical installation. His experience demonstrates that modern vocational training isn't a consolation prize, but rather an express route to success in a promising sector.
From childhood hobby — to professional triumph
Ivan's journey began unusually. At three, he received an electric shock whilst attempting to plug his toy car's bulb into a mains socket. Rather than deterring him, this early encounter sparked a lifelong fascination with electricity. From that moment, Ivan began dismantling toys, connecting motors to batteries and building makeshift devices. As a teenager, motorcycles captured his imagination, and he spent countless hours in the garage, tinkering with ignition systems, sensors and generators.
After completing his General Certificate of Secondary Education, Ivan opted to continue his education in college – he wanted practical skills and an earlier start to his working life. His studies exceeded expectations: he began hands-on training in his first year, and teachers soon suggested additional classes to prepare him for professional competitions.
His first victory came during his second year, followed by competitions in Veliky Novgorod and Novosibirsk in Russia, culminating in the Republican ProfSkills championship, where he was named the country's best young electrical installation specialist.
Ivan at the competition venue of the VI Republican Professional Skills Competition "ProfSkills Belarus 2025".
Photo: UNDP in Belarus
“It took me several months to prepare for ProfSkills,” says Ivan. Ivan explains. "I completed the competition task repeatedly, focusing separately on the challenging sections. This helped me feel confident and composed during the actual competition. I believe that's why I managed to complete every task without a single error, which surprised even the seasoned judges."
Ivan aims to repeat his success later this month at the "Professionals" championship in Kaluga, Russia, which will attract over 8,000 participants. His republican victory earned him a place on Belarus's national team for international competitions.
Ivan Gavrilik at the awards ceremony of the VI Republican Professional Skills Competition "ProfSkills Belarus 2025".
Photo: UNDP in Belarus
Digital transformation: from screwdrivers to software
If earlier electricians were associated with hard hats and tool belts, today's professionals are remarkably versatile specialists.
"Previously, the role simply required assembling equipment according to standard blueprints, but now specialists must select equipment for diverse applications, configure it, programme smart devices, and work with visualization, control and dispatch systems," explains Vladislav Kravtsov, chief assessor for the electrical installation category at ProfSkills.
Competition tasks mirror real-world industrial challenges as closely as possible. Previous years simulated lift installations, whilst this year featured an inter-workshop conveyor system with control programming for feed trolleys and protection systems.
"These aren't merely training exercises – this reflects how modern factories operate today. Specialists who master such technologies are highly sought after, and their salaries substantially exceed those working with legacy systems," Vladislav notes.
Photo: UNDP in Belarus
According to the expert, beyond technical expertise, contemporary electricians must embrace continuous learning, collaborative working and analytical thinking.
"It's crucial not to become complacent, but to constantly absorb new approaches. Technology evolves rapidly, making the future unpredictable. We must nurture curiosity in specialists and develop their adaptable skills," he believes.
This aligns with findings in the 2025 UNDP Human Development Report: technological advancement demands programmes for ongoing training and reskilling. Such educational approaches can prevent inequality stemming from workplace technological changes.
Photo: UNDP in Belarus
What does college offer?
At 17, Ivan already possesses a profession, international competition victories and clear future plans: university admission whilst combining studies with work. Notably, his ProfSkills triumph grants him university entry without examinations.
"College provides an excellent foundation, allowing you to choose freely what comes next: automotive electrics, industrial automation or smart homes," Ivan says. "Thanks to my electrical knowledge, I already earn decent money repairing mobile phones and undertaking installation work."
Growing numbers of young Belarusians share this perspective: demand for skilled workers is rising, and 2025 college enrolment is nearly 1.5 times higher than university applications.
"Some might consider manual work beneath them, but I'm convinced that without such skills, life becomes difficult," Ivan concludes. "For me, the priority is pursuing what I enjoy, not chasing money. That said, electricians can earn very well if they channel their efforts wisely and commit to development. The sooner you begin, the faster you gain experience and discover your true calling."
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