The USAID Competitive Economy Program announces a new initiative to promote a demand-driven upskilling and reskilling approach in Ukraine. The initiative focuses on aligning worker skills with employer needs to facilitate labor market inclusion for youth, veterans, people with disabilities, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and empower women in statistically male-dominated sectors. It strengthens collaboration between private sector companies and vocational education providers, increases private sector engagement in job creation, and equips job seekers with essential skills for emerging sectors in Ukraine’s economy.

"USAID is committed to supporting Ukraine's economic growth by investing in skill development and encouraging private sector involvement. This will empower job seekers and businesses while aiding the country's economic recovery and strengthening its workforce," USAID Mission Director Julie Koenen. 

Implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, this initiative will prioritize upskilling and reskilling in sectors critical to Ukraine's recovery, such as construction and logistics.  

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine, Yuliia Svyrydenko, highlighted the urgency of the initiative, stating, “The workforce shortage is the top problem for businesses. To address this, the government is focusing  on education and retraining programs. According to Gradus Research, 88% of Ukrainians are open to changing professions, with 45% of women considering roles in statistically male-dominated fields. A new USAID program will support efforts to meet labor market needs in key sectors like construction and logistics.” 

The initiative consists of eight components, each with a budget ceiling of $230,000, and will run from November 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025.

Companies and organizations are invited  to apply for one or more of the following eight distinct components 

• Component 1: Build a resilient HR community to support the growth and development of Ukrainian businesses and the labor market
• Component 2: Sector-specific reskilling and upskilling and employment linkage 
• Component 3: Increase private sector engagement in reskilling and upskilling via enhancing corporate social responsibility practices 
• Component 4: Empowerment and employment for  veterans, IDPs, people with disabilities, women and youth through social enterprises and socially responsible businesses
• Component 5: Support construction and logistics companies to increase employment of veterans, IDPs, people with disabilities, women and youth. 
• Component 6: Comprehensive support and reintegration for veterans, IDPs, people with disabilities, women and youth in the labor market 
• Component 7: Strengthen reskilling and upskilling through vocational education and training (VET) schools  and private sector partnerships 
• Component 8: Industry partnership initiative for student and entry-level employment 

For more information about the initiative and application details, please visit: https://bit.ly/3C62uIT