Two main programmes:

• Skills4Recovery – a joint initiative of the Solidarity Fund PL and GIZ, funded by the European Union and the governments of Germany, Poland, and Estonia.

• Occupational Classifier Update – aligning Ukraine’s occupational classification with ISCO‑08 and ESCO standards, funded by the EBRD and the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Skills4Recovery – Rebuilding Vocational Competencies

The programme aims to strengthen Ukraine’s resilience by developing vocational qualifications among young people and adults.
Support is provided through funding for local training projects implemented by Ukrainian vocational education institutions. Additionally, the programme supports decision-makers engaged in VET reform.

Grant Projects

From May 2025 to April 2026, a total of 25 competitive projects will be implemented – 17 for youth and 8 for adults – with the goal of training approximately 3,000 people to meet the needs of the production sector.

Each project is delivered in partnership with vocational schools and employers, ensuring:

• updated training programmes,
• training and support for instructors,
• organisation of internships in companies,
• participant counselling,
• procurement of modern training equipment.

Total programme budget: over €1.6 million.

Youth component (17 projects):

• approx. 1,400 students will gain new qualifications,
• over 600 participants will complete internships,
• cooperation with at least 70 production companies,
• 30+ updated curricula,
• equipment for schools worth approx. UAH 17 million,
• total value of youth projects: nearly €1.3 million.

Adult component (8 projects):

Implemented by the Centres for Vocational Education of the State Employment Service of Ukraine (PSSZ):

• at least 520 individuals (including IDPs and veterans) will gain new qualifications,
• over 460 participants will complete internships,
• 19+ revised curricula,
• equipment worth approx. UAH 10 million,
• total value: nearly €315,000.

Support for Policymakers – Reforming the VET System

The programme also intervenes at the institutional level, offering:

• Recommendations and sectoral analyses 
  Policy guidelines for governance, financing, and curriculum development in cooperation with key stakeholders (Parliament, ministries, NQA, SES) and employers. Results will include VET reform roadmaps.

• Career guidance system development 
  A continuation of reforms initiated under EU4Skills, focusing on school-based counselling: development of legal frameworks, educational materials, and training for counsellors.

Complementary Actions

• Occupational classifier update 
  Aligning Ukraine’s classification with ISCO‑08 and ESCO to bring the labour market closer to international standards.

• International cooperation 
  The programme is implemented in partnership with GIZ, EBRD, the Polish MFA, the EU, and the governments of Germany and Estonia.

Why is this important?

• Aligning VET with labour market needs 
  Thanks to training projects built on strong partnerships with production companies.
• Activating diverse groups 
  Including youth and adults from vulnerable backgrounds (IDPs, veterans).
• Improving education quality 
  Through support for curricula, trainers, and modern equipment.
• Driving systemic reforms 
  With the potential to transform the entire Ukrainian VET system.

We are committed to achieving long-term impact – improving employability, raising the quality of vocational education, and strengthening the national career guidance system.
Through strategic cooperation and international funding, the programme addresses both practical training needs and institutional reforms.