Chemistry of Experience: When You Know the Ropes, there’s no Stopping You!

On a June Saturday, the Togliattiazot Community Centre saw some beautiful, smartly dressed and energetic people gathered to present their business projects. One just couldn’t call these people senior, and yet the figures in their passport testify the coming of retirement, and some of them already receive their well earned pension – which is, however, nowhere near enough to enjoy a decent living when retired. And why should one hurry to hang up their boots when they feel like living an active life? They just need to find the point of application of their efforts and be ready to compete with the younger generation. Sounds difficult? Perhaps. But not impossible! The Togliatti chemists decided to prove it by launching their own unique Chemistry of Experience programme simultaneously with the state pension reform.

In Togliatti, people nearing retirement age got the opportunity to turn over a fresh leaf, using their experience and new knowledge.

Management and Computer Skills

On a June Saturday, theTogliattiazotCommunity Centre saw some beautiful, smartly dressed and energetic people gathered to present their business projects. One just couldn’t call these people senior, and yet the figures in their passport testify the coming of retirement, and some of them already receive their well earned pension – which is, however, nowhere near enough to enjoy a decent living when retired. And why should one hurry to hang up their boots when they feel like living an active life? They just need to find the point of application of their efforts and be ready to compete with the younger generation. Sounds difficult? Perhaps. But not impossible! The Togliatti chemists decided to prove it by launching their own unique Chemistry of Experience programme simultaneously with the state pension reform.TogliattiazotPJSC, Russia's largest ammonia producer, initiated it specifically for the development of personal and professional skills of people nearing retirement age. A survey had been held in preparation to identify their needs for new knowledge. As a result, a pilot programme was born, and counted with participation of 47 people aged 45+. Every participant has their own motivation to “pump up” their own skills. For four months, men and women spent their evenings and weekends studying English, mastered their computer skills, learned the basics of management and entrepreneurship. There were also seven workshops by invited experts from different industries open for general public as well as the programme participants.

There’s a Place for Everyone

Time flew by, and it was a time well spent: by the end of the programme, each participant presented a business plan for a business project or a career portfolio. Learning to see their own and each other’s strong points and to combine them for mutual benefit, many decided to join forces to build up a business together. For example, Elena Vlasova and Nadezhda Lychangina decided to partner up and open a small dancewear tailor studio: the demand for this kind of garments is huge in Togliatti, while there is practically no offer.

“I used to dance flamenco myself, now I do tango, and I have to make all the costumes for me and the group myself, because there is simply no place to buy them,” Elena Vlasova explains her choice.“At first, I will make the costumes myself, then we might hire a few tailoresses. My son is an IT specialist, he can help us with creating a mobile application for selection of suits and accessories. As additional services, our studio will offer free dry cleaning and repair of costumes during the year.”

And the Yartsev couple decided to organize a small home confectionery shop. Elena Yartseva has spent her whole life working at a confectionery factory, so she knows all the secrets of the trade.

“I always make cakes for my children and grandchildren, and they love them,” says Elena Yartseva.We analysed what the confectionery industry has to offer in Togliatti and realized that despite the abundance of ready-made industrial cakes there is not much variety. I’m sure everyone would love to have a possibility to treat their family with a healthy, nice looking and delicious product. “And my husband will do deliveries.”

All the projects scored the highest marks! Photo:TOAZ.

A psychological counselling centre, tourist transfer service, year-round cultivation of strawberries, household appliances repair shop – these are some of the business ideas presented by the programme participants to the expert jury. Judging by the calculations presented, the training was very productive: the participants did not just believe in their capabilities but also accurately calculated their way to success.

All the programme participants received certificates and memorable gifts, as well as recommendations from the project curators and experts. Authors of one of the business ideas got an invitation for cooperation from the Zhigulevskaya Valley Technopark.

“Launching the Chemistry of Experience programme, we hoped for positive changes in the lives of people who would take part in it,” said Yulia Petrenko, Deputy General Director and Director of PR and GR atTogliattiazotCorporation.“The positive momentum and the networking that the people got is already a good result. More importantly, they have acquired knowledge that will help them in their future professional or personal life. We are confident that the projects that have been presented today will be implemented, and we will follow them with interest.”

By the way, the graduates of the Chemistry of Experience are welcome to take part in anotherTogliattiazotproject, the Chemistry of Kindness.” A social oriented component in a business idea can bring the applicant a grant from the company – up to 400 thousand rubles. A perfect chance to get a startup capital!

The formula for success: experience, relevant skills, and, of course, a lively disposition!

https://www.kp.ru/daily/26989/4049768/

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