The USAID programme Competitive Economy of Ukraine is launching a new initiative aimed at improving the qualifications and retraining of specialists in line with market demands. This project will assist youth, veterans, people with disabilities, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in realizing their potential in the labor market by providing them with the necessary skills for in-demand professions in the most dynamic sectors of the economy. Additionally, the initiative will support women in acquiring skills in professions that have traditionally been male-dominated.
The initiative focuses on strengthening partnerships between the private sector and vocational education institutions, offering incentives for the private sector to create new jobs and ensure job seekers have the skills needed for employment in promising economic fields.
“USAID aims to foster Ukraine's economic development through investments in the development of professional skills that align with market needs, as well as by engaging the private sector in this process. This way, we will not only expand opportunities for job seekers and assist businesses but also make a significant contribution to the country's economic recovery and enhancement of its workforce potential,” commented Julie Coenen, Director of the USAID Mission in Ukraine.
The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine and will prioritize the upskilling and retraining of specialists in sectors critical to Ukraine's recovery, such as construction and logistics.
First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yuliia Svyrydenko emphasized the urgency of the initiative, noting: “The lack of personnel is currently one of the main problems for businesses. The government is addressing this issue through training and retraining programmes. According to Gradus Research, 88% of Ukrainians are willing to change professions, with 45% of women considering working in fields that have statistically been dominated by men. The new USAID programme will help improve the labor market situation in key sectors, such as construction and logistics.”
The initiative consists of eight components, each with a budget of $230,000, and will run from November 2024 to June 30, 2025. Companies and organizations are encouraged to apply for participation in one or more components of the initiative:
- Building a resilient HR community to support the development of Ukrainian businesses and the labor market.
- Upskilling and retraining specialists in economic sectors with a focus on their employment.
- Increasing private sector engagement in the process of upskilling and retraining specialists through improved corporate social responsibility practices.
- Expanding professional opportunities and employment for veterans, IDPs, people with disabilities, women, and youth through social enterprises and socially responsible businesses.
- Supporting construction and logistics companies in increasing employment of women, youth, people with disabilities, veterans, and IDPs.
- Comprehensive support and reintegration into the labor market for veterans, IDPs, people with disabilities, women, and youth.
- Partnerships between vocational education institutions and the private sector for the upskilling and retraining of specialists.
- Industry partnership initiative for the employment of students and young specialists.
