STRENGTHENING  HUMAN CAPITAL FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY

The full-scale war has reshaped Ukraine’s labour market and exacerbated the challenges faced by vulnerable groups. In response, Helvetas offers the labour market solutions grounded in analytics and internationally recognised practice.

Developing skills, supporting micro, small and medium-sized businesses, and helping employers find qualified staff to drive regional recovery — these and other objectives are implemented under the project «Supporting the reconstruction of communities’ social and financial resilience in war affected communities in Ukraine». The project operates in Kharkiv, Poltava, and Sumy regions.

Unique Labour-market Analytics

For security reasons, access to labour-market information in Ukraine is limited, while both government and business need high-quality analytics for decision-making. To allocate resources effectively, understand current and emerging skills needs, and track the employment situation among vulnerable groups, Helvetas together with the State Employment Service of Ukraine and the Federation of Employers of Ukraine is conducting a unique labour-market study.

In 2023, within the project «Supporting the reconstruction of communities’ social and financial resilience in war affected communities in Ukraine» the study «Ukraine Labor Market and Skills Needs Assessment 2023-2024» was presented to examine the state and trends of the labour market during the full-scale war.

In 2025, the Helvetas team supported the study «Transformation of the Ukrainian Labour Market. The Economic Empowerment of Women During the War and Post-War Recovery» aimed at assessing women’s current economic activity, identifying barriers to paid employment, and evaluating the potential of women’s participation in the country’s post-war recovery.

Developing a Skilled Workforce for the Local Labour Market

Helvetas strengthens Ukraine’s vocational education system by combining rapid skills training with long-term institutional support.

Through short-term courses designed for immediate employment, 158 residents of Kharkiv, Poltava, and Sumy regions have already gained in-demand professions — helping local communities rebuild their economies.

At the same time, Helvetas invests in modernizing vocational education institutions. New equipment provided in Kharkiv, and in Sumy and Poltava enhances their ability to train specialists who meet real labour-market needs.

Internships as a Pathway to Employment

High-quality labour-market analytics produced by Helvetas enable employers to build comprehensive HR strategies. Meanwhile, the project’s internship pilot programme helps people from vulnerable groups connect with local employers and take their first steps towards sustainable employment.

In 2023, 46 people completed three-month internships across 19 companies; in 2024, 28 participants undertook internships at 8 companies. The Helvetas approach enables the gradual integration of people from vulnerable groups into the workplace.