Building Ukraine’s Future: The Role of Vocational Education in National Recovery

By Poshan B KC, Country Director of Swisscontact in Ukraine, and Project Manager EdUP27.03.2025
Amidst war, Ukraine’s resilience is evident not only in its ability to withstand external challenges but also in its commitment to rebuilding from within. Vocational education, once overlooked, is now at the forefront of the country’s recovery, playing a crucial role in reconstructing and stabilising the economy.

The SDC-funded EdUP project, implemented by Swisscontact in Ukraine, is driving innovation and collaboration, fostering collaboration by bringing together businesses, vocational education institutions, and government stakeholders to equip the next generation with the skills needed to rebuild the nation. Our mission is clear: to ensure that Ukrainian youth and workers have access to high-quality, market-relevant training that meets the demands of industries today and in the future.

Private Sector Partnerships: A Model for Sustainable Growth

One of the key pillars of EdUP’s success is its collaboration with private sector partners. Companies like Glas Trösch Ukraine, a Swiss company with over a decade of experience in the Ukrainian market, exemplify how businesses can actively contribute to national recovery. As Serhii Sorokun, General Director of Glas Trösch Ukraine, aptly noted:

“There’s a lack of skilled workers in the market to staff our factories and for installation work. We’re ready to provide educational materials and training for vocational school instructors to ensure they can teach students.”

This commitment from industry leaders is a crucial step in addressing Ukraine’s labour shortage while simultaneously investing in the future workforce. Glas Trösch’s engagement in training instructors, organising educational sessions, and opening its facilities for student visits demonstrates the power of public-private partnerships in fostering economic resilience.

Skills for the Future: Investing in Youth

The impact of skilled labour is also reflected in individual success stories emerging from the EdUP project. Take, for example, a young female student who earned third place in a national welding competition. This remarkable achievement underscores the immense potential of Ukrainian youth when provided with the right resources and opportunities.

We are expanding opportunities in vocational education for young women, breaking stereotypes and fostering inclusivity. One inspiring story comes from a young female student who, despite societal expectations, was determined to pursue a career in the construction industry. Her journey reflects the broader shift in attitudes towards gender roles in technical professions, proving that talent and skills know no boundaries.

Student visits are an essential part of the power of public-private partnerships in fostering economic resilience. 

The Path Forward: Resilience Through Education

Despite the ongoing challenges posed by the war, the EdUP project and its partners remain unwavering in their commitment to strengthening vocational education. We are not just preparing students for jobs—we are preparing them for careers that will shape the future of Ukraine. By working together, businesses, educational institutions, and development partners can ensure that Ukraine has a skilled workforce ready to rebuild infrastructure, drive industrial growth, and foster innovation.

Now more than ever, investing in vocational education means investing in Ukraine’s resilience. By equipping young people with the skills and knowledge they need, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more self-reliant nation. Through EdUP and the dedicated efforts of our partners, we are not only building a skilled workforce but also creating a future in which every Ukrainian has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the country’s recovery.

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.