Systemic VET in Action: Stories of Skills4Recovery Beneficiaries
In 2025, the Solidarity Fund PL, within the Multi Donor Initiative Skills4Recovery, provided grants to 17 projects implemented by vocational education institutions and 8 projects run by vocational training centres of the State Employment Service. The support aimed to increase the attractiveness of vocational education for both young people and adults, update training programmes, and equip learners with practical, up-to-date skills.
Behind every project are real people. Young students who consciously choose to build their future in Ukraine. Teachers who continue learning to teach in modern ways. Professionals who adapt to change and strengthen their professional resilience. Their stories show how systemic support for vocational education translates into tangible change for individuals, communities and the national economy.
Young learner shaping the future
Ostap Kurchyk is a first-year student at the Rivne Professional College of Information Technologies. He is studying Food Technologies under a curriculum modernised through the FOCUS (Food Opportunities and Curriculum for Unique Skills) project.
“The country continues to work, produce and develop. Currently, there is a particular need for young specialists who are ready to invest their knowledge in developing the industry at home,” Ostap says.
Thanks to the updated curriculum, students train on modern equipment, complete internships at companies in the Rivne Food Cluster, and acquire skills already in demand on the labour market.
“I chose the profession of food technologist because I am convinced that this sector is the foundation of stability and development for any country. My choice is a contribution to national food security and the development of Ukraine’s food industry,” Ostap adds.
Trainer learning to teach others
The "Modernising the future: Vocational training for all" project is being implemented by the Dnipropetrovsk Vocational Training Centre of the State Employment Service in close cooperation with regional enterprises, in response to high demand for skilled workers.
Oleksandr Kopolovets, a practical training instructor specialising in electrical installation and maintenance, undertook training and work-based placements together with other teachers. This allowed him to become familiar with real production processes and modern equipment used in renewable energy systems.
The experience made it possible to update curricula and change the teaching approach, moving towards more practical training with a clear focus on the skills employers actually need. These changes were felt directly by the centre’s learners.
Professional strengthening career resilience
Serhii Vitokhin is an electrician with many years of experience in Kamianske. In the context of the war and rapid changes in the energy sector, he decided to further develop his qualifications.
Training at the Dnipropetrovsk Vocational Training Centre of the State Employment Service enabled him to systematise his experience, update his knowledge and expand his competencies in renewable energy. He completed training as a fitter-electrician for electrical equipment repair / an electrical installation and maintenance technician without interrupting his employment.
Serhii has retained his position in the profession, increased his competitiveness and expanded his responsibilities at the enterprise. According to him, the training strengthened his professional confidence and his readiness to work in new conditions.
Background
The Multi Donor Initiative Skills4Recovery is 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).