Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2024, published 113rd ILC session (2025)

Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142) - Ukraine (Ratification: 1979)

Articles 1 and 5 of the Convention. Implementation of vocational education and training policies and programmes. The Government of Ukraine indicates that it implemented an Action Plan for the State System of Professional Orientation of the Population, approved by Cabinet of Ministers Order No. 469 (2018), to ensure the vocational guidance system responds promptly to labour market challenges. This plan optimizes professional self-determination and introduces innovative career guidance services, considering gender equality. The State Employment Service (SES) provides career guidance both in and outside its employment centres, and remotely since 2020, including via internet platforms. The Procedure for the Provision of Professional Guidance Services, approved by Order No. 2203, sets the conditions for the operation of employment centres. Social partners are involved in providing vocational guidance services, in line with legislation on social partnership. The Education Ministry’s Institute of Modernization of Education Content implements a project on career guidance and building, offering online career orientation testing and upskilling courses for teaching staff. From 2020 to 2022, the number of beneficiaries of vocational guidance services was expected to be 1 million in 2022, down from 1.6 million in 2020 and 1.7 million in 2021, with a significant increase in the category of internally displaced persons in 2022.

Regarding vocational training, SES organizes training for unemployed persons through its employment centres. A new Procedure for professional training, retraining, and upskilling of registered unemployed persons was approved by Resolution No. 264 of the Cabinet of Ministers. The Law of Ukraine On Employment of the Population entitles specific categories of unemployed persons to training vouchers for the 123 occupations approved by the Ministry of Economy. The Government adopted procedures for the recognition of professional qualifications obtained in other countries, accreditation of qualification centres, and assigning and confirming professional qualifications by qualification centres. In 2022, 47,000 unemployed people completed training, down from 93,000 in 2020 and 88,000 in 2021, with a significant increase in the category of internally displaced persons in 2022.

Noting the efforts made to adapt the vocational guidance and training system to the needs of the labour market and the population, the Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the implementation and outcomes of the policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training. In particular, it requests the Government to indicate the reasons for the significant decrease, in 2022 over 2021 and 2020, in the number of beneficiaries of vocational guidance services as well as in the number of beneficiaries of vocational training of unemployed, provided by the State Employment Service (SES). Furthermore, in the light of the major increase in the number of beneficiaries of vocational guidance services and vocational training belonging to the category of internally displaced persons, it requests the Government to indicate whether it has taken any specific measures with respect to this category of people. Lastly, the Committee requests the Government to provide specific information on measures taken to promote the cooperation and engagement of employers’ and workers’ organizations and other interested bodies in the formulation and implementation of vocational guidance and vocational training policies and programmes. The Committee wishes in this respect to draw the Government’s attention to the Employment and Decent Work for Peace and Resilience Recommendation, 2017 (No. 205) the importance of which is significant in the context of war and post-reconstruction and recovery as it provides comprehensive guidance on generating employment and decent work for peace and resilience. Recommendation No. 205 is also crucial from the perspective of skills and human resources development, particularly in the context of crisis situations arising from conflicts and disasters, emphasizing the importance of education, vocational training, and lifelong learning as key components in the recovery and resilience-building process. The Recommendation suggests actions that promote the development of skills systems which are responsive to current and future labour market needs, thereby serving as enablers of human development and decent work for all. The Recommendation highlights the need for inclusive skills and lifelong learning systems that allow individuals to pursue reskilling and upskilling opportunities, which are essential for better work, income, and well-being. Moreover, the Recommendation recognizes the role of social dialogue and the involvement of workers' organizations in crafting crisis responses, ensuring that the skills development initiatives are aligned with the needs and demands of the workforce. By focusing on these areas, Recommendation No. 205 provides guidance on creating a workforce that is adaptable, skilled, and capable of contributing to sustainable development and social justice, even in the face of adversity.