Youth career development in Odesa and Dnipro: education meets business for a brighter buture
Over 750 young people from Odesa and Dnipro gathered this October to take part in ProfSTART — a vibrant regional career events connecting education with business, organised by Finn Church Aid (FCA) in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine (MoES) and local authorities.
Text: Veronika Korobko
Photos: Evgenij Zhulai/FCA Ukraine
THE SERIES OF CAREER EVENTS, held under the Multi-Year Resilience Programme (MYRP) funded by Education Cannot Wait (ECW), brought together students from vocational and pre-vocational education institutions, secondary school graduates, and representatives from leading Ukrainian and international companies.
Youth and employers face to face
The goal was clear: to bridge the gap between education and the job market, offering young people practical guidance and the confidence to take the next step in their professional lives.
“This is a unique opportunity for students to explore different career paths, gain essential life and employment skills, and learn what it means to prepare for real-world opportunities,” said Iryna Shumik, Director of the Vocational Education Directorate at MoES.
Hands-on experiences and inspiration
Each ProfSTART event offered a mix of interactive activities — from speed-dating sessions with HR experts and employers to workshops on CV writing, interview techniques, and entrepreneurship.
Students also experienced virtual reality career tours and live demonstrations of modern professions.
In Odesa, students of the Berezivske Vocational School of Odesa Polytechnic and the Odesa Vocational Lyceum of the Service Sphere presented creative fashion shows, showcasing the talents and craftsmanship of Ukraine’s youth.
In Dnipro, the focus turned toward “professions of the future,” such as energy, IT, and digital technology.
“It’s very useful for us, students, to try ourselves in a new field or to practise in the one we’re already studying,” said Oleksandra, a third-year vocational student from Odesa. “I’d like to try myself as a hairdresser, an analyst, a programmer — or even work with electricity.”
Her words echoed the enthusiasm of many young participants who used the event as a chance to discover new directions for their careers and passions.
Business joins the conversation
Representatives from some of Ukraine’s largest and most innovative companies — including MHP, Kernel, Interpipe, ArcelorMittal, Metinvest, DTEK Energo, Elf Decor, Synergy Group, Silpo, and EDS Ukraine — joined the dialogue, presenting internship and employment opportunities.
Their participation underscored the growing commitment of Ukrainian businesses to collaborate with the education sector in preparing a skilled and motivated workforce ready to meet modern industry needs.
“It was amazing to take part in such a large-scale event and to speak directly with students about the career opportunities our company provides,” said Anzhelika Yakymchuk, Lead Specialist for Regional Engagement and Youth Development at MHP.
“We work with many educational institutions across Ukraine and offer students different forms of cooperation — internships, on-the-job practice, and dual education programmes. Events like this are a hundred percent useful for them. They learn about modern businesses and discover that many companies are ready to hire and train young people even without work experience.”
Yakymchuk added that several students approached her during the event expressing interest in internships.
“We exchanged contacts and shared a QR code for our application form. I’m confident we’ll soon be welcoming some of them to join our company.”
Building resilience through education
The ProfSTART initiative is part of the Education Cannot Wait-funded Multi-Year Resilience Programme (MYRP), which supports education continuity and resilience for children and youth affected by the war in Ukraine.
Through MYRP, FCA and its partners aim to create stronger links between education and employment, ensuring that learning leads to tangible life opportunities. The programme focuses on three main areas:
- Enhancing the quality of education through teacher training and modernised facilities;
- Strengthening psychosocial support and emotional resilience among students;
- Connecting education to livelihoods by promoting vocational and technical training relevant to Ukraine’s recovery.
The ProfSTART events reflect this vision, empowering youth to see themselves as active participants in rebuilding their communities and contributing to Ukraine’s economic future.
Partnership for long-term impact
The events were organised in close cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, local departments of education, and the private sector. Together, they demonstrated that collaboration between education providers and employers can help address Ukraine’s labour market challenges while motivating young people to stay and develop their careers in the country.
“These young people represent the driving force of Ukraine’s future,” said Patricia Maruschak, FCA Ukraine’s Country Director.“By equipping them with the right skills, confidence, and networks, we are not only supporting individual growth but also strengthening the foundations for the country’s long-term recovery.”
A glimpse into the future
Participants left ProfSTART not only with practical advice but also with renewed optimism. Many filled out internship applications, while others connected directly with recruiters for follow-up interviews.
For teachers and vocational education institutions, the events offered a valuable opportunity to learn more about the evolving job market and adapt their training programmes accordingly.
As Ukraine continues its journey toward rebuilding, initiatives like ProfSTART highlight how education can remain a powerful force for hope and transformation — even in the most challenging times.
“Education that connects with real life gives young people not only knowledge but also purpose,” Maruschak added. “And that is exactly what Ukraine needs today — resilient, skilled, and hopeful youth shaping their own future.”
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The events in Odesa and Dnipro were part of the FCA-led consortium under the ECW-funded Multi-Year Resilience Programme. FCA thanks all partners and participating companies for their commitment to empowering youth across Ukraine.
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