Protect and rebuild: Ukrainian veterans successfully adapt to peaceful life

When Ukrainian veteran Vadym Holoyuk was demobilised, he found the world around him and the labour market had changed beyond recognition. Thanks to the EU-funded Fast Skills for Employment project, implemented under the Skills4Recovery programme, he was able to set the foundations for a new career.

“Life is unpredictable, it can change from one day to the next, and sometimes it throws unexpected twists and turns at us. This is exactly what happened to me. Before, I was looking to make a better life abroad, but the war in Ukraine made me come back and defend my homeland.

When I was demobilised, I felt the world around me had changed. My former professional skills were no longer competitive in the labour market. So I decided to start a new life and learn a new profession.

Having a basic education as a tractor driver, category A1, which I received back in 2019, I decided to improve my skills.

I learned about the Fast Skills for Employment project implemented under the Skills4Recovery programme. This project, funded by the European Union, is implemented by Sequa GmbH with the support of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, acting on behalf of the German Federal Government.

The dual form of education in the occupation ‘Tractor driver of agricultural machinery’ of categories E1, E2 was the most promising choice for me. And I can now say that I was not mistaken.

The training took place with the assistance of the Lviv Centre for Vocational Education of the State Employment Service. We were taught the theoretical part by experienced professionals, and classes were held using modern computer technology. And we could hone our practical skills at the workplace at Mostyska Dry Port LLC under the guidance of qualified mentors.

I believe that dual education is very useful and effective. The excellent tandem of theory and practice, knowledge and real experience was the key to my success. I learned not only to drive powerful forklifts, but also to understand their structure and feel their “soul”.

I am currently undergoing an internship at an agricultural company in the Lviv region as a tractor driver. And I can already say with confidence that dual education is indeed the way to my dream profession and successful employment.

I am sincerely grateful to everyone who helped me start a new life and acquire a new profession. This support, knowledge and wisdom have become treasures in my foundation of success in life.”