Skills Alliance for Ukraine launches call for public-private training partnerships

Ukrainian and international companies will be able to attract from EUR 50,000 to EUR 200,000 for training specialists in partnership with training providers.

On the first day of the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2026 in Gdańsk, Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine Oleksii Sobolev and State Secretary of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development Niels Annen signed a Joint Declaration of Intent on the creation of Skill Partnerships within the Skills Alliance.

The document concerns the launch of the Skill Partnerships call, under which private companies will be able to submit joint projects with certified training providers. Companies must finance at least 50% of the project costs, while the Skills Alliance contribution may range from EUR 50,000 to EUR 200,000.

The aim of the initiative is to help Ukrainian and international businesses train specialists for the needs of production, introduce modern technologies, increase labour productivity and create quality jobs for the reconstruction of Ukraine.

Skill Partnerships will focus on developing modern qualifications in key recovery sectors, including construction, energy, logistics, manufacturing and agriculture. Within such projects, companies will be able to work together with training institutions to update curricula, introduce dual and other practice-oriented training formats, train teachers and in-company mentors, as well as develop systems for skills assessment and certification.

“For Ukraine today, it is critically important not just to train people, but to train them for the specific needs of the economy. Businesses already need specialists who know how to work with new technologies, modern equipment and efficient production processes. Skill Partnerships are a practical tool that allows companies to invest in their own workforce needs together with training institutions and international partners. We want training to lead to real jobs, and enterprises to receive the workforce they need for recovery, modernisation and growth,” said Oleksii Sobolev.

According to him, the development of professional skills is one of the key elements of the Government’s policy on the labour market of the future.

“Ukraine is simultaneously overcoming the consequences of war, labour shortages and the need for rapid modernisation of the economy. That is why we are building a system where training, reskilling and professional development do not operate separately from business, but together with it. This is important for productivity, competitiveness and Ukraine’s European integration,” the Minister added.

Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany Reem Alabali Radovan emphasised that Germany is ready to continue supporting Ukraine in developing human capital and modernising the vocational education system.

 “Ukraine’s recovery is also an investment in people, their skills and their professional future. Germany supports Ukraine in creating partnerships that connect business needs with quality vocational training. Through such partnerships, Ukrainian workers will gain skills urgently needed for the reconstruction and recovery of Ukraine. This partnership is a win for Ukrainian as well as German and European companies. We will all profit from a stable and growing economy in Ukraine as the backbone of Ukrainian resilience,” said Reem Alabali Radovan.

The Skills Alliance for Ukraine is a multi-stakeholder platform that brings together government, business, training institutions and international partners to develop the skills needed by the labour market in the context of war, recovery and European integration.

Project proposals will be accepted until August 31, 2026. Further information and the application form can be found following the link. The selected companies and training providers will be presented in autumn 2026 during a public event.