The EdUP project team held the 2nd Practical Training Conference “Modern Technologies in Building Insulation Systems” for teachers and vocational trainers from partner institutions. The training took place at the workshops of the Kyiv Vocational College of Civil Engineering.
A total of 28 teachers from 14 vocational institutions took part in the event, improving their professional skills under the guidance of leading experts, so they could later transfer new knowledge and modern technologies to their students.
It was my first experience with building insulation in this format. I wanted to take as much as possible from this project to share with my students. We worked for the first time with Sika materials, particularly with a special protective film for glass used during painting. Our college hadn’t had a chance to work with such materials before — everything was new and very interesting.
The conference program combined theoretical modules with intensive hands-on practice. Teachers worked through all stages of façade insulation — from surface preparation to decorative finishing.
We prepared surfaces for insulation, applied insulating materials, and performed finishing. The most interesting part was getting acquainted with new materials and tools that we hadn’t used before due to a limited budget. Here we had a chance to work with them in practice — that’s very valuable for teaching our students.
Thanks to the support of Ukrainian and international partners who provided materials, tools, equipment, and expert trainers, participants worked with technologies for scaffolding, installation of insulation, reinforcement, plastering, and façade painting, and explored modern solutions for window systems, sealing, and personal protective equipment.
This time we focused on the stages that are often overlooked in training programs — anchoring, preparing fasteners, and installing external elements. These are things teachers usually don’t practice during lessons, but here they could do it themselves. Such trainings provide a complete understanding of the process and make learning truly practical.
The project team expressed sincere gratitude to all partners who contributed to organizing the conference, providing modern materials, equipment, training samples, and expert support.
Caparol Ukraine – application of modeling plasters (stone or wood imitation), decorative plasters (“bark beetle”, “lamb”), and painting of decorative surfaces. Association “Ukrainian Manufacturers of Light-Transparent Structures” – window opening inspection, joint detailing, selection, and installation of windows. Bosch Ukraine – preparation and use of impact tools, proper selection of power tools. Insight Ukraine – personal protective equipment for façade work. Izovat / Association “Ukrainian Manufacturers of Foam Plastics” – installation of EPS and mineral wool insulation, adhesive application. Walraven UA – technical expertise, selection, and design of modular training stands for vocational schools. Sika Ukraine – protective organic coatings, sealing, care and protection materials for construction surfaces. Layher Ukraine – scaffolding systems overview and assembly. EJOT Fastening Systems L.P. – substrate preparation, installation of base profiles, dowel fastening, and reinforcement of insulation layers.
Through collaboration between education and business, teachers are empowered to pass on practical, in-demand skills — and students gain competencies that meet the needs of Ukraine’s labor market.
The main goal of such events is to strengthen the professional competencies of teachers and trainers. Thanks to business partners, participants can master the use of modern materials and equipment. They receive consultations directly from manufacturers and industry specialists, which means they can pass these up-to-date skills to their students — future workers who will enter the labor market fully prepared.
Vocational education today requires close cooperation between the state, business, and educational institutions. Initiatives like the EdUP trainings help build this connection — when teachers gain not only knowledge but also a real understanding of modern production. This is the key to ensuring that Ukrainian graduates become competitive professionals both in Ukraine and abroad.
The conference became an important milestone in achieving the goals of the EdUP project, aimed at improving vocational education in Ukraine, strengthening cooperation between educational institutions and the private sector, and preparing qualified specialists essential for the country’s recovery.
