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FACTSHEET - The European Training Foundation in Ukraine

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Supporting Ukraine's recovery and EU accession

The European Training Foundation (ETF) is the European Union’s agency for skills and human capital development, based in Turin, Italy. Since Ukraine’s independence, the ETF has been a committed partner, supporting reforms in education, training and employment systems through policy advice, capacity development, and international cooperation, the ETF has helped drive reform in education and labour market systems. Since the onset of the war, Ukraine has become a top priority for the ETF, and a dedicated ETF Ukraine Task Force has been put in place to support both post-war recovery and progress towards EU membership. 

Building a resilient skills ecosystem for recovery and growth

In 2025, the ETF continues to work with Ukrainian partners to modernise education and training systems and support labour market reforms. These actions align with the EU enlargement process and the Union of Skills initiative, aiming to establish a resilient, future-oriented skills ecosystem that supports recovery, social cohesion, and sustainable growth. 

The ETF promotes multi-level governance for lifelong learning, involving public authorities, civil society, and non-formal learning providers. It facilitates social dialogue and strengthens cooperation with EU Member States and development partners. This includes preparatory work towards a new Team Europe initiative focused on human capital development in Ukraine. 

Evidence to guide reform

Reliable data underpins the ETF’s approach. Ukraine participates in the Torino Process, a policy learning tool that helps countries assess vocational education and training (VET) systems using national evidence. The ETF’s annual key policy developments in education, training and employment report provides an in-depth analysis of key trends, including the impact of the conflict on human capital development. 

Additional tools, such as the ETF Online Job Vacancies Platform and the Working and Learning in Ukraine survey, offer insights into labour market trends and workforce resilience. The ETF is also exploring the realities of the platform economy, including through cooperation with other EU agencies, Eurofound and the European Labour Authority. 

Future-proofing education and training 

The ETF supports Ukraine in strengthening the governance and effectiveness of its education system. This includes improving planning, data quality, and legal frameworks. In vocational education, it contributes to modernising school networks and facilitates Ukraine’s participation in the European Alliance for Apprenticeships. 

Teacher development is another key priority. Ukrainian educators benefit from ETF-designed online courses via the EU Academy, covering topics such as competence-based learning and formative assessment. The ETF also supports the implementation of Selfie for Teachers, a digital self-assessment tool that helps teachers develop their digital competences. 

Furthermore, the ETF is contributing to the development of Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) in Ukraine. These centres promote innovation, enhance quality, and strengthen links between education providers and local industries. 

Skills for employment and inclusion 

Skills development is essential to Ukraine’s economic competitiveness and inclusive growth. In 2025, the ETF’s work is focusing on areas such as renewable energy, agri-tech, artificial intelligence, defence manufacturing, and critical raw materials, supporting Ukraine’s recovery in line with the EU Critical Raw Materials Act. 

The ETF is working with national and international partners to develop a national Youth Guarantee, to improve school-to-work transitions for young people. It contributes to reforms in career guidance and mapping policies to increase the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the labour market. 

Qualifications and lifelong learning 

The ETF is helping align Ukraine’s qualifications with European frameworks, including the European Skills, Competences, Qualifications and Occupations (ESCO) framework and the European Qualifications Framework. In 2025, it is conducting a national mapping of adult learning provision and helping to design tools such as individual learning accounts and micro-credentials to promote access to lifelong learning. 

Looking ahead

As Ukraine moves forward on its path to EU integration, the ETF remains a committed partner in building a skilled, inclusive and resilient society. Working closely with Ukrainian stakeholders, EU Member States, and international partners, the ETF will continue to support human capital development and education and labour market reforms – laying the foundations for a brighter future. 

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