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 provides the labour market solutions grounded in data and internationally recognized best practices.

The project «Supporting the Reconstruction of Communities’ Social and Financial Resilience in War Affected Communities in Ukraine» implements key objective such as developing skills, supporting micro, small and medium-sized businesses, and helping employers find qualified staff to drive regional recovery. The project is active in the Kharkiv, Poltava, and Sumy regions.

Unique Labour Market Analysis

For security reasons, access to labour market information in Ukraine is limited, yet both government and business require high-quality analytics to inform decision-making. To allocate resources effectively, understand current and emerging skills needs, and monitor employment 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, under the project «Supporting the Reconstruction of Communities’ Social and Financial Resilience in War Affected Communities in Ukraine», the study «Ukraine Labour Market and Skills Needs Assessment 2023-2024» was presented, examining 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», which assessed women’s economic activity, identifying barriers to paid employment, and evaluated the potential for women’s participation in the Ukraine'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 the ability of these institutions 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 design comprehensive HR strategies. At the same time, the project’s internship pilot programme connects vulnerable groups with local employers, providing a pathway to sustainable employment.

In 2023, 46 people completed three-month internships across 19 companies; in 2024, 28 participants undertook internships at 8 companies. This approach enables the gradual and supported integration of vulnerable individuals into the workforce.