Advancing Reconstruction and Vocational Education in Ukraine

Upskilling and Reskilling
12.11.2024
The Public-Private Partnership for Improving Vocational Education in Ukraine (EdUP) on 7 November 2024 welcomed a high-level delegation from Switzerland to Kharkiv Technical School. The delegation, including representatives from the Swiss Embassy, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, and Geberit Ukraine, marked a significant moment for EdUP’s initiatives supporting schools near conflict zones. 

The visit included a tour of the school’s training center, highlighting the newly upgraded plumbing workshop, supported by Geberit, which provides students with advanced skills aligned with Swiss standards. The delegation was warmly welcomed by Ms. Natalia Yukliaievska, Director of Kharkiv Technical School and EdUP steering committee chair.

Swiss Delegation Visits Kharkiv Technical School

The visit emphasized EdUP’s commitment to safe, sustainable educational spaces. Delegates toured a shelter on the premises of the school that is undergoing reconstruction. Similar shelters are being renovated in several Vocational education and training (VET) schools located in frontline regions of Ukraine. The shelters will be powered by 15kw solar systems. 

Mr. Poshan B KC, Country Director of Swisscontact in Ukraine, and Project Manager of the EdUP project, highlighted the role of safe learning environments in encouraging students to return to in-person classes. He remarked that the EdUP reconstruction project promoted Swiss technology and know-how through introduction of Geberit, Sika and Glas Trosch building materials in selected underground shelters.

Swiss Delegation Visits Kharkiv Technical School

The Swiss Embassy in Ukraine, expressed deep appreciation to Kharkiv Technical School and the EdUP project team for organizing the visit, noting the positive impression it left on the visiting delegation and its impact on vocational education’s role in Ukraine’s resilience and recovery.

Swiss Delegation Visits Kharkiv Technical School
2020 - 2027
Ukraine
Initial vocational education and training
Public Private Partnership to Improved Professional Education in Ukraine
The EdUP project, including its Scale UP initiative, is playing a crucial role in addressing the serious challenges faced by Ukraine's vocational education and training (VET) sector during wartime. The war has destroyed many VET schools and exacerbated a skills shortage that affects several sectors, despite employers' willingness to offer competitive wages and resources. EdUP aims to rebuild and improve vocational schools and break stereotypes about vocational graduates. By decentralising training and aligning it with local economic needs, the project will improve the quality of vocational training, attract additional resources, work with the private sector, and modernise education to equip Ukraine's workforce for today's demands.