INTERNSHIPS AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Internships are a practical pathway into the workplace. This approach often works for those who face the greatest barriers to employment in today’s conditions: internally displaced persons, people with disabilities, and older workers nearing retirement.

For many participants in Helvetas programmes, an internship became the first step toward permanent employment.

We connects local enterprises with people eager to work but lacking an entry point. In 2023, Helvetas organised three-month internships for 46 people across 19 local businesses. In 2024, eight companies were selected to host 28 interns. All participants were from vulnerable groups.

Thanks to Helvetas, Svitlana qualified as a welder, completed an internship at an enterprise in Poltava region, and signed an employment contract.
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Nataliia took part in an internship in Sumy region. At 65, she successfully completed the training and stayed on to work at the sewing company where she trained.
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After returning to Kharkiv region following a forced evacuation, Oleksii completed an internship at Elcor as an engineer and was hired in January 2025.
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Why Internships Matter?

Internships provide people with practical skills, real-world experience, and professional networks, increasing their chances of stable employment.

Businesses gain motivated, work-ready staff already integrated into their teams, while communities benefit from increased economic activity and from people’s return to the labour market.

Stiykist

November 2024 - October 2026

Supporting the reconstruction of communitiesʼ in Ukraine

July 2023 - July 2027

Contributing to economic development for war-affected population

August 2024 - February 2026

Economic Resilience Program

May 2023 - March 2026