Partnership of Business and VET schools in Times of War  

Upskilling and Reskilling, Initial vocational education and training
18.06.2024
Partnership of VET schools with private business is revolutionizing vocational education in Ukraine, affected by russian aggression. It equips students with crucial skills and modern equipment, thereby preparing them for the job market. Recent initiatives by Schneider Electric, Grundfos, and Geberit showcase the profound impact of these collaborations.  

Advanced Equipment from Schneider Electric Received

3 teams of vocational training masters won in a practical competition hosted by Schneider Electric and have already received modern equipment. 

The competition took place during the “Modern Technologies in Electricity” Training and Practical Conference, organized by the EdUP project. Based on the evaluation results, Schneider Electric experts selected the three best teams from 11 vocational education and training institutions.  

The winners from Chernihiv, Kharkiv and Mykolaiv received panel and modular equipment from Schneider Electric for organizing building protection (apartment, house), lighting control, and master switches. This equipment will be installed in the workshops of the institutions to train vocational education students, improving the quality of teaching and providing students with practical skills in working with modern technologies, thereby enhancing their competitiveness in the labor market. 

Grundfos Equipment Installed

42 heating system pumps from Grundfos Company were donated to 21 vocational education schools participating in the project during "Innovations in Sanitary Engineering Education" Training and Practical Conference, held by the EdUP project in partnership with the Association of Engineering Systems Installers.   

During the event, manufacturer experts conducted lectures and practical sessions for teachers to study the construction of these pumps. Following the conference, vocational training masters, along with their students, installed the pumps in their institutions. They created stands to be used in the educational process in the workshops. Some pumps were also installed in common-use restrooms. 

Geberit Sanitary Equipment Installed

Sanitary equipment sets from Geberit, provided to 23 vocational education institutions partnering with the EdUP project in Phase II, have been integrated.  

Sinks, toilets, bidets, and urinals were deployed according to the needs of each institution. Most of the sets were placed in classrooms and workshops for practicing installation skills. Water supply and drainage systems were connected to workstations in the workshops to fully replicate the installation process. Some of the equipment was also used during the renovation of restrooms in educational buildings, workshops, and dormitories. 

Geberit has also provided sets of inclusive sanitary equipment for vocational education institutions partnering with the EdUP project. Before the start of 2024/2025 academic year, the equipment will be installed in the institutions for student training and use as working restrooms. 

These collaborations showcase the critical role that partnerships with leading companies like Schneider Electric, Grundfos, and Geberit play in enhancing vocational education in Ukraine.

By providing advanced equipment and expert training, these initiatives not only improve the quality of education in a time of turmoil but also ensure that students are equipped with the skills needed to succeed in the modern workforce. 

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.