Kyiv, 24 October 2024 — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, with financial support from the Government of Japan, has organized a series of two-to-four-week vocational courses to reskill adults in Kyiv, Odesa and Kharkiv oblasts. All nine vocations are technical professions, which meet the needs of the local labour market and are critically important for the country’s reconstruction.

The courses were conducted at 10 vocational institutions across six cities for the following professions: electric welding (Skvyra and Vasylkiv, Kyiv Oblast), locksmithing (Boryspil, Kyiv Oblast, and Odesa), plumbing (Brovary, Kyiv Oblast), electric and gas welding (Brovary, Kyiv Oblast, and Odesa), plastering (Kharkiv and Odesa), electricians (Odesa), and turning (two groups in Odesa). Most of the participants underwent retraining, while some upgraded their existing qualifications.

For the practical training, UNDP, in partnership with the Government of Japan, purchased all the necessary items: work clothes, consumables, and specialized equipment, such as welding machines or drawing tables. Additionally, the students were provided with meals during the training period and, when needed, were accommodated in dormitories.

The short-term courses were tailored to meet labour market needs and included a significant amount of practical training. By October, the employment rate of graduates had reached 78 percent, while the remaining participants continued their studies or acquired additional skills to enhance their employment opportunities.

Jaco Cilliers, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, emphasized the previous positive experience of conducting short-term vocational courses. “We strongly believe that reskilling courses are a valuable tool for workforce development and business support. Together with our partners, we back adult education programmes that equip participants with professional and technical skills highly sought after by employers,” he said. “This initiative – informed by labour market research and close cooperation with local authorities and businesses – is addressing a crucial gap and has offered a well-structured solution. By aligning with the needs of the local labour market, we are helping to create employment opportunities, and playing a key role in stabilizing and rebuilding the economy in war-torn communities.”

Background

The labour market in Ukraine is facing challenging times, particularly due to a significant workforce shortage. Experts estimate that the country is lacking 4.5 million workers.

Over the past two years, UNDP’s approach to short-term reskilling courses have demonstrated their effectiveness as a mechanism for training and adapting new personnel in wartime conditions. In the long run, they will play a crucial role in stabilizing and fostering inclusive growth in Ukraine’s economy. UNDP remains committed to supporting the Ukrainian labour market, as a foundation for sustainable recovery and long-term economic growth.

In 2024, a series of short-term courses was organized as part of the “Transformational Recovery for Human Security in Ukraine” project, which is being implemented by UNDP in Ukraine with financial support from the Government of Japan.

Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia, UNDP, in collaboration with development partners, has been facilitating the reskilling and upskilling of adults across various oblasts of Ukraine. To date, more than 1,250 people have acquired new skills that are in high demand in the labour market.

Media enquiries: Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org