InConnect 2: Partnership between VET and Business in the regions

In 2025, the project ‘InConnect 2: Strengthening VET-Business Partnership' was launched, which is being implemented by the Foundation for Support of Reforms in Ukraine with the support of international partners. Its goal is to promote Ukraine's economic recovery by deepening cooperation between vocational education and employers.  

The project provides:  

  • open online training in strategic planning and project management, including workshops, mentoring sessions, and consultations on best practices in project management; 

  • mentoring support in the preparation and implementation of project applications; 

  • the opportunity to receive sub-grants for the implementation of joint projects between vocational education institutions and businesses; 

  • increasing the visibility of successful practices of vocational education institutions and businesses. 

InConnect 2: cooperation between vocational education institutions and businesses in Ukraine. Online training in project management, mentoring support, and creation of joint projects for Ukraine's economic recovery.

Selection of participants and start of training 

33 vocational education institutions from 16 regions of Ukraine were selected to participate in the training programme, which demonstrates a high level of interest in the topic and a willingness to partner with businesses.  

Intensive online training has already begun for 33 teams, which bring together representatives of vocational (vocational and technical) education institutions and businesses. Over the next few months, participants will immerse themselves in a practical course on project management in order to create their own joint initiatives — from the idea to the defence of a full-fledged project. 

Expected project results 

  • Signing of at least 10 memoranda between educational institutions and businesses; 

  • Implementation of 10 partnership projects; 

  • Creation of a manual for replicating successful models of cooperation. 

Strategic significance 

"The project takes into account the key economic directions of Ukraine's development and is based on the Concept of Vocational Education Development. Partnership between business and vocational education is a tool for updating training, preparing specialists and developing the local economy.The war has led to the loss of labour resources, education and business. This needs to be made up for in order to create a decent national product — for our victory," — says Yurii Shkil, Executive Director of the Foundation for Support of Reforms in Ukraine. 

The project “InConnect 2: Strengthening VET-Business Partnership” is being implemented by the NGU ‘Foundation for support of reforms in Ukraine’ with the financial support of the European Union, Germany, Poland and Estonia within the framework of the Skills4Recovery Multi-Donor Initiative implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ Ukraine) GmbH and Solidarity Fund PL - Fundacja Solidarności Międzynarodowej (SFPL).