For more than a year now, an experimental project has been underway in Ukraine to provide training and skills development for combat veterans and individuals with disabilities caused by the war. The program focuses on offering educational opportunities through vocational training centers of the State Employment Service (CPTU SES). The initiative aims to help people who have experienced the hardships of war to reintegrate into civilian life by acquiring new skills and qualifications.
Read more: 1179 cultural heritage sites damaged in Ukraine due to Russian aggression
Broad range of training opportunities
The program offers a wide range of options, from basic vocational training to advanced skill enhancement. Participants in the program can choose from 97 different occupations or improve their qualifications through approximately 400 educational programs. This provides each participant with the opportunity to select a direction for personal development that aligns with the current job market needs.
Flexible learning options
The training process is adapted to the different needs of participants. They can choose from various learning formats, depending on their schedules and personal circumstances. Options include full-time (day or evening) classes, distance learning, or dual learning formats that combine practical and theoretical instruction. These methods can be mixed and matched for maximum convenience.
Popular professions among program participants
Among the most popular professions are chef, cashier, sales assistant, tailor, seamstress, electric welder, locksmith-electrical, electrician, driver, and CNC machine operator. These careers are in high demand on the job market, giving participants the opportunity to gain work-ready skills and secure employment quickly.
How to participate in the program
To join the program, participants must prepare a basic set of documents, including: a valid ID, education certificates (if available), a tax ID number, and a certificate confirming military service or disability due to the war. Individuals with disabilities must also provide a medical-social expert commission (MSEC) certificate and an individual rehabilitation program. Applications can be submitted online through the State Employment Service website or directly at any employment center.
Successful examples of the program in action
According to the director of the Kyiv City Employment Center, Dmytro Novytskyi, there have already been successful examples of the project. For instance, one former soldier, after enhancing his qualifications, became a drone operator engineer, using FPV (First Person View) technology. This shows that the program not only helps war veterans gain new skills but also enables them to successfully transition into civilian careers.
The importance of the educational initiative
This educational initiative is a crucial step in supporting Ukraine’s defenders, helping them acquire new professional skills and successfully integrate into civilian life. It also supports war veterans in recovering from injuries, improving their quality of life, and gaining economic independence. The program is an essential part of the country’s recovery, as it helps its citizens, who have given so much for the peaceful future of Ukraine, rebuild their lives and contribute to the nation’s prosperity.