Kyiv, 23 April 2024 — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, with financial support from the Government of Denmark, has launched a training programme for a cohort of women seeking to attain certification as agricultural tractor operators.

This course was initiated in response to demand from local employers, which is currently high. But there is a shortage of trained personnel, as many agricultural workers are engaged in the state’s defence. Therefore, with backing from the Government of Denmark, UNDP has established a training programme for women aspiring to become tractor drivers. This initiative brings together an eager employer and teachers from vocational education institutions.

All ten trainees in the programme hail from Snihurivka and have been interviewed by their prospective employer, AGROFUSION LLC. This prominent manufacturer in Mykolaiv Oblast actively engages in running the professional courses for female tractor drivers. The practical component of the training will take place at the company’s facilities, with AGROFUSION LLC providing the equipment and fuel needed. On completing the six-month course, the participants will receive certification as tractor drivers and acquire A1 category driver’s licences.

Ole Egberg Mikkelsen, Ambassador of Denmark to Ukraine, said: “We in Denmark admire the resilience of Ukrainian agricultural companies working close to the frontlines, as well as the determination of the Ukrainian women willing to expand their professional skills into new areas. Therefore, it is our priority to support the vocational courses run by UNDP that will both empower the local economy in our partner Mykolaiv Oblast and contribute to a greater gender balance at workplaces.”

Jaco Cilliers, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, emphasized that the new modalities for re-skilling adults have had great results in today’s rapidly changing labour market. “UNDP intends to revitalize the war-affected communities. Thanks to the productive cooperation with various stakeholders and generous support from the Government of Denmark, we successfully launched a groundbreaking format of training programmes,” he said. 

“We are confident that these courses will not only address the immediate needs of the labour market but also contribute to empowering individuals and fostering economic growth in Mykolaiv Oblast.”

Background

Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, UNDP, in collaboration with international partners, has been facilitating the re-skilling of adults across various oblasts of Ukraine. To date, over 1,000 people have acquired new skills that are in high demand in the labour market.

Media enquiries: Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org