PPP in Action:
How private sector, education and local authorities overcome staff shortages
The Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion has deeply affected Ukraine’s economy, causing significant labour market imbalances, especially in traditionally male-dominated sectors, due to workforce shortages and youth emigration. Vocational education faces declining enrolment and reduced capacity to renew the workforce, revealing longstanding issues like low appeal of skilled trades, mismatch between training and labour market needs, and limited capacity to provide high-quality, technology-driven training. Addressing these challenges requires urgent, coordinated efforts among government, business, and vocational institutions through a robust tripartite dialogue. The Junior Academies concept, exemplified by the Bosch Junior Academy at Boryspil Vocational College, demonstrates effective collaboration to improve outcomes.
1. Background and context
Ukraine is currently facing one of the most severe crises in its modern history due to the full-scale military invasion launched by the Russian Federation. This war has triggered extensive disruption across all sectors of Ukrainian society, particularly the economy. The conflict has led to widespread destruction of infrastructure, economic stagnation in several regions, internal displacement, and mass emigration.
A significant consequence of this instability is a growing imbalance in the labour market. Demand for workers - especially in physically intensive and traditionally male-dominated professions - has sharply increased, while the available workforce has dwindled. This is further exacerbated by the large-scale departure of young people abroad, motivated by both security concerns and the fear of being mobilized into the Armed Forces of Ukraine. As a result, Ukraine faces critical labour shortages and a shrinking working-age population, especially in sectors essential for economic recovery and reconstruction.
The conflict has placed immense strain on Ukraine’s vocational education and training (VET) systems. These institutions are experiencing a sharp drop in student enrolment, largely due to emigration and the instability in war-affected areas. Typical candidates for vocational training are either abroad or hesitant to pursue long-term education, given the uncertainty about the future. This demographic shift has led to several systemic challenges:
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Low attractiveness of vocational education: Blue-collar professions carry persistent stigma, worsened by insecurity and migration.
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Mismatch with labour market needs: Many graduates’ qualifications do not align with private sector demands.
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Lack of institutional capacity: VET institutions often lack modern equipment, up-to-date curricula, and trained instructors proficient in current technologies and practices.
Consequently, the VET sector struggles to provide a workforce capable of meeting Ukraine’s immediate recovery and long-term development needs.
2. Description of the project
Recognising these challenges, the Be-Relieve programme was launched to support resilient and forward-thinking solutions for vocational education and labour market development. The programme launched the Junior Academies initiative - an innovative model that brings together public authorities, the private sector, and VET institutions in a structured tripartite dialogue. This approach ensures that:
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The government contributes its vision for economic and regional development;
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The private sector informs the design of training programmes based on actual labour market needs and technological trends;
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Vocational institutions serve as implementation hubs, delivering training aligned with industry standards and enabling rapid reskilling and upskilling.
A prime example of this model is the Bosch Junior Academy, established at Boryspil Vocational College. Developed in partnership with Bosch, with the active support of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine (MoES) and the Kyiv Regional Military Administration (KRMA), it demonstrates how industry-led, government-supported, and education-based collaboration can rapidly equip students with in-demand skills - even under conditions of national crisis.
The primary objective of the initiative is to strengthen vocational education and training in Ukraine by aligning it with real labour market needs - specifically in the automotive sector. The focus is on the profession “7241 – Master in Diagnostics and Adjustment of Automotive Electronic Equipment.” The initiative aims to modernize infrastructure, improve training quality, and establish strong partnerships between education, government, and industry.
The integrated approach aims at aligning vocational training with real labour market needs and ensure high standards of technical education. Belgium finances the procurement of state-of-the-art equipment and covers for the training of vocational instructors at the Bosch Training Centre. Bosch contributes its technical expertise by providing the design of the training laboratory, supporting curriculum development, and delivering guest lectures through its technical specialists. Bosch also supports the adaptation of training content related to auto service business models, integrated into the curriculum via the "Career Development and Entrepreneurship" module. Furthermore, Bosch professionals participate in certification and qualification processes and offer practical training placements at authorized Bosch service centres.
Together, this collaboration combines Enabel’s development-focused investment with Bosch’s industry know-how, delivering a scalable and sustainable model for vocational excellence.
3. Outcomes and impact
Although the project is still in its early stages of implementation, several notable qualitative changes and quantitative results are already emerging. Among others:
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A state-of-the-art laboratory has been designed and is being equipped according to current national educational standards. This significantly improves the learning environment and access to hands-on training.
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Vocational education instructors are receiving advanced training at the Bosch Training Center, enhancing their ability to deliver high-quality, up-to-date instruction using modern tools and methods. Stronger public-private collaboration: The project has institutionalized a tripartite model involving the government, business, and education sectors, leading to better coordination and mutual trust.
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Early feedback from educators highlights increased students’ motivation and interest in vocational education, particularly due to access to modern equipment, real-world training opportunities, and career-oriented curricula.
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A new training laboratory is in the process of being fully equipped.
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18 instructors from 4 vocational schools are participating in training programmes facilitated by Bosch experts.
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The project is preparing to enrol new students for both initial training and short-term retraining programs.
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Authorized Bosch service centres are being integrated into the practical training pathway.
4. Challenges and barriers
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Wartime constraints: Ongoing conflict posed logistical, mobility, and planning challenges, especially in terms of continuity and safety for students and staff.
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Demographic pressures: Youth emigration and displacement reduced enrolment potential, threatening long-term workforce replenishment.
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Institutional capacity gaps: Vocational institutions require significant support to meet technical and pedagogical standards, especially in adopting new technologies.
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Women participation: As the initiative targeted a profession traditionally dominated by men, gender inclusion remains a challenge. The automotive sector still faces low female representation, and additional outreach or incentives may be needed to encourage women’s participation.
5. Lessons learnt
Tripartite collaboration has proven to be highly effective. A structured partnership between government, the private sector, and education providers ensures that vocational training remains relevant, aligned with labour market needs, and supported by shared ownership. Donors and implementers should give priority to models that promote this kind of strategic cooperation.
Integrating initiatives into existing national systems significantly enhances sustainability. Rather than creating parallel structures, embedding reforms within national frameworks helps build institutional capacity and enables long-term viability. This approach also supports the organic scaling of innovations and reforms across the broader education system.
Engaging the private sector is essential to achieving quality and relevance. Drawing on the technical expertise, equipment standards, and practical experience of companies like Bosch strengthens curricula, improves hands-on training, and opens clearer employment pathways for learners.
Equally important is investing in the training of instructors. Without well-prepared and industry-aligned educators, even the best-equipped institutions will fall short in delivering effective, high-quality education.
Finally, flexibility is critical in fragile and conflict-affected contexts. Implementing programmes in such environments requires adaptable planning, phased execution, and close collaboration with local partners to remain responsive to dynamic and often unpredictable conditions.
6. Recommendations
The Junior Academy model implemented through this initiative offers a scalable and adaptable blueprint for vocational education reform in other VET institutions. It is particularly well-suited for contexts experiencing labour shortages - especially in technical sectors - as well as those undergoing post-crisis recovery due to conflict, displacement, or economic disruption. The model also addresses challenges in environments where there are weak linkages between training systems and labour market demands.
Its transferability lies in several core elements: the use of public-private partnership frameworks, alignment with national education standards, active employer involvement in curriculum design and certification, and the delivery of flexible, modular training that includes both short-term upskilling and retraining options.
While successful replication would require careful adaptation to local contexts - such as tailoring the sectoral focus, navigating different regulatory environments, and selecting appropriate partners - the fundamental principles of the model are broadly applicable and relevant across a wide range of settings.
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