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The war in Ukraine has left a significant void in the skilled labour market, making the role of vocational education and industry partnerships more vital than ever. One company stepping up to address this challenge is Glas Trösch, a Swiss glass processing leader with a well-established presence in Ukraine. Through its collaboration with the EdUP Project, Glas Trösch is not only responding to the current skills gap but is actively shaping the workforce needed for Ukraine’s long-term recovery.
Since entering the Ukrainian market in 2010, Glas Trösch has become a key player, now holding a 30% share of the country’s double-glazed window market. However, even before the war, the company faced persistent challenges in finding and retaining skilled workers. The situation worsened due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent exodus of workers seeking employment opportunities abroad.
The outbreak of war further deepened this crisis, with Glas Trösch losing 10% of its workforce to mobilisation. Although the 50% market decline eased the immediate impact, such a loss under normal circumstances would have been critical, requiring urgent recruitment and training efforts. As Serhii Sorokun, General Director of Glas Trösch Ukraine, explains,
“This is crucial because there is a shortage of skilled professionals with the necessary technical education. Vocational institutions do not currently train specialists in glass processing, double-glazing assembly or glass tempering.”
Recognising the urgency of strengthening Ukraine’s workforce, Glas Trösch has joined forces with the EdUP Project, an initiative aimed at improving the country’s vocational education system. The company is playing an active role in addressing the skills gap by providing industry expertise, educational resources and practical training opportunities for vocational school instructors and students.
“With the opportunity to train professionals within vocational institutions, we are ready to provide educational materials, train vocational instructors and offer students practical experience at our facilities,” says Sorokun.
By fostering this partnership, Glas Trösch is ensuring that students gain the knowledge and hands-on experience required to meet the industry’s demands. This initiative not only strengthens the company’s future workforce but also contributes to Ukraine’s broader economic resilience.
The collaboration between Glas Trösch and EdUP goes beyond addressing immediate labour shortages—it represents a long-term investment in Ukraine’s skilled workforce. As the country rebuilds, there will be a growing demand for well-trained professionals capable of driving sustainable recovery efforts.
As Sorokun emphasises, “Strengthening vocational education will enhance the overall skill level of Ukraine’s workforce. This is very important for the country’s future, especially when large-scale reconstruction will require a new generation of skilled workers.”
For a closer look at how companies like Glas Trösch are shaping the future of Ukraine’s workforce, watch the EdUP Project video here: