On 27 October 2022, the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA) held a high-level live discussion on supporting Ukrainians in the EU through apprenticeships. The event explored how apprenticeships can be used as a tool to support Ukrainians displaced by the war and address their educational, employment and societal needs.

Since Russia’s invasion in Ukraine in February 2022, 8 million people have been displaced. Almost 6 million of them are outside the borders of Ukraine and many of them are seeking refuge in the EU.

While some decide to return home, many Ukrainians choose to settle in their host countries and rebuild their lives.

So far, however, only a small number of those of working age have entered the EU labour market, though the number of people wanting to do so is expected to rise.

Ensuring a swift and effective integration into the labour market is important for host communities and for those fleeing the war.

Apprenticeships are a great way for displaced Ukrainians to continue, or embark on, their vocational education and training (VET) journey without putting their future on hold.

They provide a direct pathway for these people to integrate into the labour market and the local community. Apprenticeships can also equip displaced Ukrainians with the skills they will need to rebuild their country.

European Commission's initiatives

The European Commission has taken several measures to support Member States in helping those fleeing the war in Ukraine. For example, in June 2022, it published a guidance document to help Member States integrate people arriving from Ukraine in the labour market, and support their access to VET and adult learning.

Apprenticeships were highlighted as a tool that can provide swift and effective integration in the labour market.

Other measures include:

• a Ukrainian version of the EU Skills Profile Tool,
• a Commission Recommendation on the recognition of qualifications,
• and the new EURES initiative EU Talent Pool.

In addition, the Cohesion’s Action for Refugees in Europe aims to ensure greater flexibility in the use of EU funds to support Ukrainian refugees and to invest in education, social inclusion and other social services.

The European Training Foundation has also set up a resource hub to support the recognition of qualifications, skills and studies from Ukraine.

Participants and speakers

Participants were welcomed by European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights Nicolas Schmit, who urged the EAfA community to pledge to create more apprenticeships, especially for those fleeing the war in Ukraine.

The discussion was moderated by Ana Carrero, Deputy Head of Unit for Vocational Education and Training at the Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion.

The event featured the following speakers:

• Agnė Kudarauskienė, Vice-Minister at the Lithuanian Ministry of Education, Science and Sport;
• Iryna Shumik, Director-General of the Directorate of Vocational Education at the Ukrainian Ministry of Education and Science;
• Anatolii Garmash, Senior Specialist in Qualifications at the European Training Foundation;
• Eldin Catovic, trainer at Bildungszentrum Handwerk Duisburg;
• Oleksandra Telna, apprentice at Bildungszentrum Handwerk Duisburg;
• Svitlana Dolholpolova, apprentice at Bildungszentrum Handwerk Duisburg.

Experiences of Ukrainians

Anatolii Garmash opened the discussion by talking about why apprenticeships could be the first choice for Ukrainians within and outside Ukraine. He also highlighted that micro-credentials could ease the recognition of skills and competences for Ukrainians intending to return to their home country one day.

This was followed by Agnė Kudarauskienė who highlighted that Lithuania now allows Ukrainians to become apprentices or continue an apprenticeship that they have started in Ukraine. An inspiring example was shared where one of Lithuania’s largest manufacturers in the plastic sector had hired Ukrainian refugees as apprentices.

Eldin Catovic shared how Bildungszentrum Handwerk Duisburg supported Ukrainians by offering them apprenticeships and providing meal vouchers, free public transport, and administrative support for receiving long-term resident status.

Meanwhile, Oleksandra Telna told her story of how she had travelled from Ukraine to Germany and how she had received support with housing and education from a very early stage. Svitlana Dolholpolova added that for her the key to integration had been the German language course which not only allowed her to learn a new language but also gave her the opportunity to connect with people.

Lastly, Iryna Shumik stressed how difficult it is to work and study in Ukraine while the country is a target of Russian attacks. She added that despite the challenging conditions, Ukraine is now going ahead with reforming its VET system, which includes developing clusters based on the strengths of local VET schools and labour market needs.

Challenges and solutions

Language barrier and psychological trauma were identified as the main challenges faced by Ukrainian apprentices. This was followed by the need for VET schools to be more flexible in recognising Ukrainians’ education, skills and competences.

Participants talked about the importance of VET schools offering dedicated time for language learning and providing access to psychological support. They also discussed how VET schools could better recognise Ukrainians’ education and competences through bilateral agreements on recognition of qualifications.