The upgraded Tiling Technologies Training and Practice Centre has been opened at the Kyiv Professional College of Civil Construction.
The workshop was established within the Swisscontact EdUP project, with the support of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and thanks to private sector partners, particularly Sika Ukraine, which played a key role in this initiative. This collaboration is a strong example of how public-private partnership contributes to the modernization of vocational education in Ukraine.
“Public-private partnership is the format of cooperation that delivers real results today. The Swisscontact and EdUP teams are proud of this achievement. It is truly rewarding to see this upgraded workshop, and I am grateful to the teams of Sika and the Kyiv Professional College of Civil Construction. Despite the war and ongoing challenges, Sika continues to contribute to the development of vocational education, while the college keeps training highly qualified professionals essential for Ukraine’s recovery.”
The opening of the training and practical center is a great example of how effectively the state, educational institutions, businesses, and our project can work together. It is extremely important for us to see this collaboration. We hope that this learning space will inspire both students and teachers and become an important step in developing a skilled workforce for the economy and the future of Ukraine.”
“If we want a better future for the entire construction sector, we must invest in vocational education. Today, the future is in the hands of vocational teachers and trainers. That is why we create opportunities for students to work with modern technologies, high-quality tools from leading manufacturers, and in conditions like those in this training and practice centre.”
Immediately after the opening, the venue hosted the final day of the 3rd Training and Practice Conference “Modern Technologies in Tiling.” Teachers from 27 vocational colleges – partners of the EdUP project – explored modern approaches to working with different types of tiles, tested installation techniques, and learned about the latest tools and materials.
In addition to the centre-based sessions, practical training for vocational instructors also took place at Agromat. Conference speakers and trainers included representatives of leading companies and manufacturers such as Cersanit, Mirage, EDPLIT, and Design Service Building.
“Technologies are rapidly evolving, and the requirements for the profession are increasing. Conferences like this create a space for knowledge exchange, modern technologies, and practical learning for vocational trainers — those who prepare future tilers. Supporting such educational initiatives is highly valuable for us, as it contributes to the quality of construction culture in Ukraine.”
The knowledge and skills acquired will be passed on by teachers to their students, helping ensure that Ukraine’s construction sector—so urgently in need of skilled workers—is strengthened by highly qualified workforce.
“Our college is working to increase the number of students — and, consequently, professionals in the construction sector, which is currently in high demand. The upgraded workshop is a significant step forward and a major contribution to improving learning conditions and modernizing the educational process.”
The upgraded centre enables students to study in a modern environment and work with real-world materials and equipment — helping them acquire skills that meet labour market needs.
