Modern education: a confident step towards a career

By enrolling in vocational training as an aspiring electrician, Karina TIUPA took the first step towards a career in industry. Through modernised workshops and hands-on learning opportunities supported by the KRYTSIA: Support for recovery of Kryvyi Rih Raion project, she gained the practical skills and confidence needed to enter the workforce. Today, employed by one of Kryvyi Rih’s largest industrial enterprises, she demonstrates how investment in vocational education can create tangible opportunities for young people and support Ukraine’s recovery.

After graduating from school, Karina TIUPA chose to become an electrician and enrolled at the Kryvyi Rih Vocational Mining and Metallurgical Lyceum. At the time, she did not yet know where this choice would take her. Today, Karina works in her chosen profession at one of Kryvyi Rih’s largest industrial enterprises.

Her professional journey began in the lyceum’s electrician training workshop, which was given a new lease of life through the KRYTSIA: Support for recovery of Kryvyi Rih Raion project, funded by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency, in partnership with Proman and NDI.

During her studies, Karina had the opportunity to learn her profession through more than just textbooks. The renovated workshop was equipped with modern electrical equipment, training stands, professional tools and materials. There, students were able to develop practical skills in conditions closely resembling a real working environment, including installing electrical equipment, carrying out electrical installation work, reading electrical diagrams, diagnosing and maintaining electrical systems, and following modern occupational safety standards.

For her, studying was not simply about preparing for exams. It was an opportunity to understand what the profession looked like in practice. Alongside technical skills, she developed attentiveness, a sense of responsibility and confidence in her abilities.

The next step was her participation in Novа Fabryka 3.0, a programme run by ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih. It gave Karina the opportunity to see a large industrial enterprise from the inside, learn about its technologies, meet experienced professionals and gain a better understanding of what her future career could look like.

Soon, she had the opportunity to put her knowledge into practice in the workplace. Karina now works as an electrician. She carries out responsible production tasks, continues to develop her professional skills and has gained first-hand experience of moving from education to employment in her chosen field.

Creating these pathways — from modern education to real employment — is one of the key goals of KRYTSIA’s support for vocational education.

In partnership with the Volyn Resource Centre, the project is helping to modernise the vocational education system in Kryvyi Rih Raion by creating modern training workshops, updating educational programmes in line with labour market needs, strengthening the capacity of teachers and career counsellors, and encouraging young people to consider in-demand skilled professions.

So far, 21 vocational education institutions have received support through the project. Nine modern training workshops have been created or upgraded, and 15 educational programmes have been updated. This gives students the opportunity to develop practical skills using equipment that closely reflects the technologies and tools they will encounter in the workplace. They can train in welding, automotive maintenance and repair, the installation and maintenance of solar power systems, and other professions that are in demand in today’s labour market.

The changes go beyond equipment and infrastructure. Eighty teachers have already received training, while 270 career counsellors have gained new tools to support young people and help them make informed career choices. Every year, around 1,000 students will have the opportunity to study in modernised workshops and gain the practical experience they need to start their careers.

For the project, this means investing not only in educational infrastructure, but also in the people who will shape the future of the region, working in industry, energy, construction, transport and other sectors that are essential to its development.

Karina’s story is one example of how this support translates into real opportunities. It starts with choosing a profession and taking the first classes in a modern workshop, continues with gaining first-hand experience in a real working environment, and leads to a successful transition into employment.

Modern education can be the first step towards a career. And a career can become an opportunity to build a future and contribute to Ukraine’s recovery.

The Support for recovery of Kryvyi Rih Raion project is funded by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency, in partnership with Proman and NDI.