Smilovichi State College is no ordinary educational institution. Once known for its traditional approach, the college has transformed into a digital pioneer. It captivates young minds through TikTok and equips the students with cutting-edge skills.
From Tractor to Trend: How Tik Tok Content Inspires Future Farmers in Belarus
August 9, 2024
![мужчина стоит перед грузовиком](/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/2024-08/01_0.jpg)
Alexander Mishkov's passion for agriculture runs deep, inspired by his grandfather and uncle, who were dedicated farmers.
From Teacher to TikTok Star
At the helm of this transformation is Alexander Mishkov, a teacher in Industrial Training, whose enthusiasm has transformed the ordinary agricultural college into a TikTok sensation.
![Мужчина сидит на мотоцикле](/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/2024-08/00.jpg)
For 13 years, Alexander Mishkov has taught future tractor drivers.
Before teaching, Alexander worked on a collective farm for two years. After completing his studies, he traded the tractor seat for a teacher’s desk, never expecting his journey would lead him to digital media fame.
It All Started with a Simple Video
“I uploaded my first video without any expectation of it going viral,” recalls Alexander. “During a class on repairing a battery terminal, a student suggested we film it and post it on TikTok. The video gained a million views in just 24 hours. Before that, I had tried to run a personal blog, but I never imagined such success.”
Intrigued by the public's appetite for their world, Alexander and his students made more videos about the college. Filming tractor rides, machinery repairs, engine disassembly and oil change with a sprinkle of humor led to today’s 113,000 followers.
Viral Content and Community Impact
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Over two years, the blog evolved into an engaging blend of education and entertainment. It’s a place where complex machinery is explained with a wink and a smile to 3 million people, where students become relatable characters, and where the world of agriculture is shown in a new light.
For instance, this year, on March 8th, Alexander and his students made over a hundred steel and tin roses for their mothers, girlfriends, and teachers. The video capturing this feat amassed nearly six million views and hundreds of thousands of likes. Within a week, television cameras rolled in, newspapers splashed the story across their front pages, and the college’s social media following exploded, gaining over 35,000 new followers.
A Unique Approach to Career Guidance
Alexander isn’t a typical social media guru. With humor and passion, he has transformed his classroom into a digital stage. Rather than chasing trends, he has built a loyal community by sharing genuine stories. His students and colleagues are eager co-stars in real-life videos, creating content that's as authentic as it is entertaining.
Andrei Oleksyuk, the college’s Deputy Director, sees the benefits. “This is the best way to guide careers and attract applicants,” he says. “Today’s youth prefer watching TikTok videos to reading newspapers. We need to communicate in a way that resonates with them.”
These videos are more than just clips. By showing the fun side of farming, the camaraderie among students, and the dedication of the college, they reshape perceptions of agricultural professions and inspire a new generation to consider careers in farming.
This is what exactly happened to Daniil Shibalko, a freshman from Borisov. Lost in his choice of a career path, the young man stumbled upon the college’s TikTok and was captivated by its vibrant energy.
“The funny videos attracted me,” remembers Daniil. “They hinted at a place where learning was exciting and full of opportunities. I decided to enroll, and I don’t regret.”
Daniil's classmate, Nikita Yanchik, also learned about the college through social media. He moved from Niasvizh district to Smilovichi to pursue his studies in agriculture.
“I feel comfortable in the fields and enjoy working with machinery. I don’t regret and plan to continue my studies in this area,” said Daniil. “The college offers quality hands-on experience, modern equipment and a supportive learning environment - all of which I discovered through TikTok.”
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Daniil Shibalko (left) and Nikita Yanchik (right). The college has recognized their acting talents and invited them to become key figures in the blog.
Both freshmen eagerly attend classes, not only driven by their interest in agriculture but also by the excitement of being part of the college's content creation.
A Commitment to Excellence
The popularity of Smilovichi State College extends beyond its local area. Students from various regions come to study here, drawn by the college's strong reputation and high-quality training. The college features a competence center equipped with modern facilities for training in agricultural machinery, including unique dynamic simulators for operating various vehicles under different conditions.
In September, the college will launch a training center for precision agriculture, focusing on innovative agricultural technologies. This center will be equipped with the necessary tools and simulators to help specialists hone their skills with new technologies.
Since 2015, the competence center has hosted regional professional skill contests and prepared students for national competitions.
Alexander, who prepares students for these competitions alongside his teaching and blogging, is determined to maintain this streak of success: “Our college has established a reputation for training high-level specialists. We must continue to uphold this standard. It’s not just about winning competitions; students from across the country come to us for knowledge and a robust technical foundation.”
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Smilovichi students have consistently excelled, winning first place in national professional contests.
The College also offers comprehensive training for teachers and industry professionals. In June 2024, it hosted a four-day training workshop for experts in the national vocational skills competition for agricultural machinery operation. This training, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Belarus and the Ministry of Education project “Developing youth innovation potential for accelerated sustainable development in Belarus”, aimed to enhance the skills of instructors who will mentor future competition participants.
Embracing Digital Transformation
The adoption of digital technologies and innovation is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is estimated that digital technologies and data can contribute to at least 70% of the 169 SDG targets, profoundly impacting economic, social, and environmental aspects.
Beyond entertainment and recruitment, digital technology is integrated into the college's curriculum. A new precision agriculture center will train students in the latest farming innovations, preparing them for a future where technology drives productivity.
The college's strategy is paying off. Graduates are in high demand, their skills sought after by both farms and industries like the Minsk Tractor Plant. This surge in popularity is fueled by a combination of hands-on training, modern facilities, and a strong online presence.
By merging traditional agriculture with digital advancements, Smilovichi is not only educating students but also contributing to a sustainable future. The college’s commitment to innovation aligns with global efforts to address challenges through technology, positioning its graduates as leaders in the agricultural industry.