As the war in Ukraine has waged for since February this year, 8 million people have been displaced, with almost 6 million of them outside the borders of Ukraine, most of them entering the EU to seek shelter and a safe place (UNHCR 2022).
Offering both employment and education, apprenticeships can offer safe havens where displaced people feel protected, have a sense of belonging, and are able to pursue their life goals. Apprenticeships can also help people fleeing the war connect with the labour market and allow them to contribute with skilled and productive labour. However, social and economic integration are impeded by a number of factors, such as language barriers, discrimination, a lack of targeted information on job opportunities for migrants, and limited recognition of skills and formal qualifications.
This High-Level Live Discussion will examine these issues and highlight how apprenticeships can be used as a tool to support Ukrainians fleeing the war and meet their educational, employment and societal needs. The event will aim to 1.) create awareness and maximise knowledge about how the apprenticeships community has supported Ukrainians in the EU. 2.) call for action – by encouraging EAfA members to make a new pledge towards creating apprenticeships for Ukrainians in the EU, and to encourage non-members to join the Alliance and make their first pledge.
Key-questions that will be addressed include:
- What makes apprenticeships a suitable tool for supporting Ukrainians in education, labour market and the wider society?
- What tools and funding streams are available to support apprenticeships for Ukrainians fleeing the war?
- What challenges are Ukrainians likely to face throughout the apprenticeship process, from recruitment to employment?
- How can the apprenticeship providers develop safe, welcoming, inclusive, caring and responsive learning environments that support learning for all students?
- How can the VET sector ensure a fast and efficient recognition of qualifications, skills and studies from Ukraine?
- Could microcredentials be used to benefit people fleeing the war, and what should be their relationship with apprenticeships?
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Keynote speaker: Nicolas Schmit, Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights
Thematic expert (introductory speaker): Anatolii Garmash - Senior specialist in qualifications, European Training foundation
The panel will be composed of high-level representatives in the VET sector from across Europe, including Ukraine, and by Ukrainian apprentices themselves.
- Iryna Shumik, Director General of the Directorate of Vocational Education, Ministry of Education and Science, Ukraine
- Agne Kudarauskiene, Viceminister, Ministry of Education, Science and Sport of the Republic of Lithuania
- Ukrainian apprentices Oleksandra Telna and Svitlana Dolholpolova, and their trainer Eldin Catovic at Bildungszentrum Handwerk Duisburg, Germany
Moderator: Ana Carrero Yubero, Deputy Head of Unit - Vocational Education and Training. DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion - European Commission