The EdUP project, implemented by Swisscontact with the support of Switzerland, is launching a strategic partnership with the Veteran Cluster of Ukraine. The memorandum of cooperation was signed by Artem Honcharenko, Head of the Veterans Institute at KNUCA, and Poshan Bahadur KC, Country Director of Swisscontact in Ukraine.
The parties initiated this partnership to expand access for veterans to vocational education and retraining programs. The partners will coordinate informational outreach, engage veteran communities in learning opportunities, and develop career counseling for program participants.
EdUP focuses on training skilled blue-collar workers who are in high demand in the labor market: electricians, welders, plumbers, and other specialists in the manufacturing sector. For veterans, such training opens up opportunities for a rapid transition into the civilian labor market, earning a stable income, and professional fulfillment.
Yuliia Epifanova, Head of the EdUP Project, emphasized:
"The veteran community holds significant potential for the development of the country's economy. We see a growing demand for technical professions, while at the same time, veterans are looking for opportunities to reboot their careers. Our team designs training programs with an emphasis on practical skills and subsequent employment, ensuring that every participant achieves a tangible result."
During the meeting, the partners identified key areas for their joint efforts: disseminating information about free training in the regions, cooperating with veteran organizations, providing support for participants after completing their courses, and adapting the educational process to meet the needs of veterans.
The cooperation between EdUP and the Veteran Cluster of Ukraine strengthens systemic work in the field of professional integration for veterans, directing the parties’ efforts toward creating long-term employment opportunities in Ukraine.
