Mykolaiv, 10 January 2024 — Responding to the needs of the labour market and ensuring economic recovery in the territories affected by the war in Ukraine, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with support from the Government of Denmark, organized a three-week training programme for partial vocational qualifications in Mykolaiv Oblast. More than 30 trainees mastered new competencies and gained employment opportunities.

The professions were chosen on the basis of employers’ recommendations in Mykolaiv Oblast. In addition, local businesses provided their staff for hands-on training. The courses took place in vocational schools and covered the following professions: tractor drivers (Kazanka), renewable energy service electricians (Mykolaiv), and plasterers (Voznesensk).

Together with partners, UNDP not only organized theoretical and practical training, but also purchased essential equipment and consumables. For example, solar batteries and a portable power station were purchased for the electricians, a concrete mixer and various tools were delivered to practise plasterer skills, and an agricultural enterprise providing equipment for practical training of tractor drivers received tractor tyres.

Ole Egberg Mikkelsen, Ambassador of Denmark to Ukraine, noted that he is sincerely glad about the strong cooperation with UNDP and local authorities towards systematic recovery in Mykolaiv Oblast. “Business support is one of the priorities of our advantageous partnership. The series of short-term courses that we organized together with UNDP was a quick response to the needs of the local labour market,” he said. “Moreover, we are also contributing to restoring the vocational education and training system in Mykolaiv and the oblast. This comprehensive approach will eventually help the Ukrainian economy to recover.”

Jaco Cilliers, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, said that the short-term courses followed by employment, which UNDP piloted with partners during the full-scale invasion, showcased its effectiveness. “We tested this approach to re-skilling adults in other oblasts of Ukraine, where almost a thousand people have already developed new skills highly in demand in the labour market,” he said. “Thanks to the support of our partners, particularly the Government of Denmark, we are continuing to promote the sustainable development of war-affected communities.”

Background

Recruitment of trainees for new specialities will begin in January 2024. Currently, a programme of short-term courses for two professions is being developed and prepared for launch: junior nurses for patient care and laboratory technicians for chemical and bacteriological analysis.

The short-term courses were organized in partnership with the Department of Education and Science in Mykolaiv Oblast, with the assistance of UNDP in Ukraine and financial support from the Government of Denmark.

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