The State Employment Service of Ukraine invites internally displaced people aged 50 and over to join the national “Experience Matters” programme, which connects experienced professionals with employers.
All participants 50+ including IDPs can attend free training courses, receive individual support from employment service specialists, take part in job interviews with employers, complete a short-term internship, and find a job that matches their skills and professional experience.
To apply, applicants need to register on the State Employment Service website. During registration, they should provide their contact details, place of residence, education, and previous work experience. They will then complete an interactive Skills Matrix, which helps the system identify the most suitable job opportunities.
Within two working days after registration, a representative of the State Employment Service will contact the applicant.
Free Training
Participants can choose from three training modules:
Career Strategy – how to successfully change jobs, prepare a modern CV, and succeed in job interviews;
Digital Tools and Artificial Intelligence – practical use of Google Drive, Zoom, messaging applications, and AI tools, including ChatGPT, in the workplace;
Working in Multigenerational Teams – effective communication and collaboration in today’s diverse workplaces.
Training is available online, as well as in person in Kyiv, Lviv, and Kharkiv.
Internships and Employment
After completing the training, participants receive support in finding suitable vacancies and meeting potential employers. They may also take part in an internship of up to 10 days. Following the internship, both the employer and the participant decide whether to continue with employment.
Participants may also receive psychological counselling and ongoing support from career advisers.
Employers are currently looking for experienced professionals aged 50+ in the following sectors:
- manufacturing;
- agriculture;
- education;
- healthcare;
- social services;
- wholesale and retail trade;
- energy;
- housing and коммунal services;
- logistics;
- administration;
- procurement and project management.
There is particularly strong demand for engineers, technologists, electricians, mechanics, machine operators, agronomists, doctors, and pharmacists.
If you know internally displaced people aged 50 or older, consider sharing information about this programme through your IDP Council, local community groups, consultations, or other communication channels. For many displaced people, it could become an opportunity to return to professional life or start a new career.
The “Experience Matters” programme is implemented by the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, the State Employment Service, Astarta-Kyiv Agro-Industrial Holding, the Lifelover Charitable Foundation, and the Federation of Employers of Ukraine.
This publication was made with the support of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in Ukraine. The content of the publication is the sole responsibility of the Charitable Organization “Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” and does not reflect the views of UNHCR.