We are launching a project about the labor dynasties of the Yaroslavl region about how experience is passed from generation to generation and how the family business continues in the factories and enterprises of the region.

The Chizhov family

The Russian Paints Company is a leading enterprise in the paint and varnish industry in Russia. Russian Paints is the most stable and dynamically developing enterprise of the paint and varnish industry in Russia, actively operating in the domestic and foreign markets. In 2023, the Russian Paints company turned 185 years old.

And then I realized that I had not made a mistake in choosing my future profession and would definitely return here

Starting a career in manufacturing was the main childhood dream for Alena Chizhova. Even as a child, her mother took her to work in the laboratory.

"Test tubes, solutions, then magically changing colors for me, an hourglass...It all seemed very interesting. Sometimes I would sneak into the workshop and spy on what was happening. During my school years, I already clearly knew that I wanted to become an engineer and was slowly moving towards my goal."

After school, the girl immediately entered the YAGTU for the specialty "Chemical technology of high molecular weight compounds". The history of the industry's development was told in the first year by Vladimir Kutyrin, former General Director of JSC Russian Paints.

"He read his subject perfectly, took us to the Interlakokraska exhibition and arranged an excursion to the Russian Paints factory. It was the first time I saw the workshops and equipment with my own eyes. And then I realized that I had not made a mistake in choosing my future profession and would definitely return here."

After graduating from the university, I had to wait for my coveted place, since there was no job in my specialty. Alyona gained experience in conducting chemical syntheses and determining various indicators of the final product.

"The cherished day has come, I came to the Russian Paints factory and became part of the Chizhov factory dynasty. At first, she worked as a chemical analysis laboratory assistant. But I was drawn to the workshop, I was interested in the synthesis process, the equipment. Soon I was trained, certified and began working as a master of the lacquer workshop shift."

Alyona considers her main pride to be the fact that the managers appreciated her professional qualities and desire for professional growth. Being a woman, she holds a senior engineering position in such a complex and responsible production.

In 2019, she was thanked for her conscientious and impeccable work, and in 2022, Alena was awarded a certificate of honor for her high achievements in work.

This is my favorite thing to do.

No one from the family influenced the choice of profession. According to the girl, the family can only help to make a confident first step towards choice.

"I don't think that working with the family in one place is entirely the merit of the family. First of all, the person himself should have an interest in his work, so to speak, "be in his place." You are not going anywhere, but already have an idea about the organization, about the leaders, about the nuances in the work. I do not regret the choice I made at all. This is my favorite business, in a close-knit team we produce in-demand products. In addition to working days, we communicate, make friends, celebrate holidays"

Now her husband, Innokenty Chizhov, a master of the nitroemal workshop, is working in production with Alyona. The young man came to the company immediately after graduating from YAGTU and has been working here for 14 years.

The family does not plan to change the type of detail. Each of the family members does work not for the sake of a salary, but to achieve results. Long work has taught the main thing – to organize work in a team where everyone has their own character, to remain calm and take the necessary measures in difficult situations. Such skills help in everyday life.

For young professionals

Alyona advises young specialists not to be afraid to start the path from small jobs.

"You will still be a very important and necessary link in the production chain, without you, the production mechanism will not be so strong and well-coordinated. Working in production is not a monotonous activity, it combines work with both hands and head. For you, active young professionals, this is a great opportunity to show your already acquired knowledge, gain experience from professionals in your field, and learn how to work in a team. All this is necessary to assess your own capabilities and further goals. Go ahead, you will succeed!"