Upskilling and Reskilling
28.10.2024
On October 16, 2024, the EdUP project kicked off an exciting three-month program in Kyiv—"Career Path: Dream, Plan, Achieve!"—designed to support final-year female students from 14 vocational institutions across Ukraine. 

This initiative empowers young women pursuing careers in the construction and trades sectors, helping them shatter stereotypes and envision their success.

Program Highlights:

This journey is split into three transformative stages:

  1. Kyiv Kickoff Training (October 16-18, 2024): An immersive experience where participants dive into essential career skills, professional self-discovery, and networking with peers.
  2. Online Mentorship Sessions: Inspiring virtual meet-ups with women entrepreneurs and industry leaders who share invaluable career insights and experiences.
  3. Final Workshop in Kyiv (January 2025): A celebratory capstone event where students showcase their career plans and gain tailored feedback.

Insights from the First Phase:

  • Day 1: Building trust, fostering collaboration, and identifying personal growth areas with the question, "Who am I in this career journey?"
  • Day 2: Goal-setting for personal and professional growth, including resource and financial planning.
  • Day 3: Mapping out career roadmaps, setting actionable steps to turn dreams into achievements.

Program Outcomes:

Participants came away with:

  • A clear understanding of how emotions, goals, and dreams intersect in professional growth.
  • Practical skills in self-presentation, goal-setting, and financial planning.
  • A broadened perspective on career opportunities in the construction field.

 

"I really enjoy the sessions on self-control, career, and business. They give me confidence that I’ll be able to achieve my goals in the future."
Daria Mahera from Kramatorsk, studying plastering, and tile work
"We worked on self-reflection with questions like ‘Who am I?’ and ‘What are my emotions?’ We also discussed our dreams and ways to make them a reality. I want to become a master in my field and possibly take interior design courses."
Ivanna Pinchuk from Brovary, studying plastering, and drywall installation

Yulia Skichko, the owner of "Alef Stroy," a construction equipment rental company, visited the training program to motivate and inspire young women pursuing careers in construction.

" It doesn’t matter whether you’re a woman or a man – in this industry, quality work and results are what count. The key is a professional approach, responsibility, and a commitment to continuous growth. Success isn’t about gender; it’s about your effort and expertise. "
 — Yulia Skichko, owner of construction company "Alef Stroy"
Yulia Skichko, owner of "Alef Stroy"  

"Career Path: Dream, Plan, Achieve!" is equipping these future industry leaders with the confidence, tools, and vision to thrive in the trades—proving that success in construction has no limits.

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.