The European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA) encourages both EAfA members and non-members to submit a pledge for creating apprenticeships for displaced Ukrainians in the EU.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, an estimated 7.3 million people who fled the country are still living outside Ukraine.

The Ukrainian vocational education and training (VET) sector has been impacted by the war, with estimates suggesting that over half of all VET students, teachers and schools have been affected.

Apprenticeships are a great way for displaced Ukrainians to continue, or embark on, their VET journey without putting their future plans 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.

This is why the Alliance is urging organisations working in VET and apprenticeships to submit an EAfA pledge to support displaced Ukrainians.

How to create quality and effective apprenticeships for Ukrainians fleeing the war?

Early access to VET and apprenticeship information

The Commission has made available resources to help displaced Ukrainians access VET and apprenticeships. For example, the new EURES initiative EU Talent Pool allows displaced Ukrainians to create a CV and show their skills to more than 4 000 carefully validated and registered employers and EURES Members and Partners. In addition, Europass and the EU Skills Profile Tool have been translated into Ukrainian to facilitate displaced Ukrainians’ access to the labour market and education and training opportunities. The Commission has also issued guidance on integrating displaced Ukrainians in the labour market, VET and adult learning. Organisations need to work with partners, especially educational institutions receiving young Ukrainians fleeing the war, to coordinate early access to training opportunities.

Language support

Language support is another important way to integrate displaced Ukrainians. Learning the local language will help improve their employability, facilitate their communication with the community and increase their awareness of the host country’s culture.

Learning environment

Organisations must reflect carefully on the learning environment for Ukrainian apprentices, which should feel safe, inclusive and accepting of learners’ circumstances. They should also be aware of the differences in the national education systems, for example when it comes to digital skills.

Download the infographic in the ‘Related documents’ section below and share it within your networks.

To submit your pledge, complete this application form and send it to empl-eafa@ec.europa.eu.