The EdUP project hosted a discussion on developing a Concrete Worker Profession, crucial for Ukraine’s reconstruction.

The event gathered principals of vocational education schools, industry representatives, and government officials to discuss the challenges facing the concrete worker profession and explore collaboration opportunities.

During the roundtable the participants:

📌Discussed key issues in the profession, including education, staffing, and technical challenges.

📌Identified strategies to revitalize and promote the profession.

📌Explored ways to improve collaboration between vocational schools, businesses, and government for better workforce training.

The roundtable featured two panels: educational and business.

📖Educational Panel

Participants addressed the current state of the concrete worker profession and what vocational institutions need to introduce this profession.

“For institutions to open new professions, we need updated educational standards aligned with professional requirements. Thus, collaboration with business is essential to reviving this profession,” – Tetiana Pron, Deputy Director of Kyiv Civil Construction College.

Educators highlighted the need for more internship opportunities and career pathways, which require business involvement. Training teachers to provide modern skills is also crucial.

💰Business Panel

Business leaders emphasized the industry’s need for concrete workers, especially in civil construction, fortification and shelter building.

“The demand is high. To attract workers, we need to showcase the profession’s appeal through guaranteed employment, benefits, and competitive wages,” – Georgii Kovalchuk, Head of Sales at Sika Ukraine.

The event highlighted the need for short-term courses aimed at adults. The Regional Center for Professional Education from Kharkiv partnered with the private construction company “Zhytlobud-1” to offer a 4-week course, detailing the skills needed for concrete workers.  This will enable the rapid preparation of specialists that meet the current labor market demands, ensuring a swift influx of qualified personnel into the construction industry.  

📍The discussion also covered the impact of new materials and technologies on workforce skills. 

“When developing the professional standard, it’s crucial to focus on skills for today’s challenges. Workers need to adapt to new materials, technologies, and automation, while also being versatile, performing multiple tasks to boost efficiency and adaptability,” – Anastasia Belograd, Head of Technical Marketing at CRH.

📍The dialogue between education and business continues, and this ongoing exchange of experience is key to the successful implementation of new professional directions, emphasized representatives from the Ministry of Education and Science and the private sector.

“Businesses and educators share a common goal: manufacturers need skilled workers, and vocational schools must train students to meet labor market demands,” – Viktoria Spivak, Quality Director at Kovalska Industrial Construction Group.

“For vocational education to truly meet market needs, businesses must define the necessary job skills. Continuous communication between business and education is essential for quality vocational training that supports economic growth,” – Serhii Kovalenko, State Expert at the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.

The roundtable allowed participants to identify key steps for developing the concrete worker profession, outlining both educational and business perspectives for its future.