30 future maintenance fitters gain modern hands-on skills
“Training on CNC machines gave me valuable practical experience, especially when we worked alongside operators rather than just listening to theory. You can really learn to manufacture parts yourself there,”
said student Dmytro Kotiuk, the Technical Professional College of Lutsk National Technical University
Thirty maintenance fitter students at the Technical Professional College of Lutsk National Technical University have completed workplace-based training, gaining modern practical skills in metalworking, CNC machining and international safety standards. The programme closely reflected real production environments, helping students better understand the demands of today’s labour market.
The training was delivered as part of the project “STEM modernization of vocational education: updating training for maintenance fitters in Volyn region to meet modern market demands”, implemented in partnership with the NGO “Perspektyvy Volyni”. In 2025, the project received grant support from the Solidarity Fund PL in Ukraine under the Multi Donor Initiative Skills4Recovery.
In February 2026, students began a 70-hour workplace-based training placement at partner enterprises. They worked with CNC machines, processed 3D models, participated in a range of production processes, and became familiar with international safety standards. A dedicated component of the programme focused on implementing Toyota 5S and FEM principles, fostering a culture of quality, responsibility and efficient workplace organisation.
Students during their practical training
Despite the challenges of wartime, including power outages and security risks, both the learning process and workplace-based training continued. Students, teachers and employers worked together to ensure that young professionals are equipped for the demands of the digital economy and modern industry.
“The project helped me better understand current requirements for specialists and feel more confident in practical work,” adds participant Yurii Yastrub.
“I am very satisfied with the experience I gained during the training. I would especially highlight the clear and fair rules, the friendly and professional team, and the well-designed company policies. It was genuinely interesting to work in such an environment, and I would gladly continue this experience in the future,” notes participant Nikita Shevtsov.
The project provides for a comprehensive upgrade of training for the maintenance fitter occupation, integrating STEM approaches and responding to current employer demand for digital, soft, entrepreneurial and green skills. Educational programmes are developed in partnership with enterprises from the processing industry, ensuring alignment with real labour market needs.
The grant will also support the procurement of specialised software and modern technical equipment, enabling students to train using technologies already applied in industry.
Background
The Multi Donor Initiative Skills4Recovery is jointly co-financed by the European Union, Germany, Poland, Estonia, and Denmark. It is implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and the Solidarity Fund PL (SFPL).