Ukraine Launches Retraining for 50+ Workers Amid Workforce Shrinkage

Ukraine launched a retraining program for workers aged 50 and older on May 11, led by Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko. The initiative targets sectors like construction and defense, which face deepening labor shortages. This comes as Ukraine's workforce (ages 15-70) has shrunk by a quarter since 2021, with 6-7 million Ukrainians having gone abroad since the full-scale invasion, leaving a growing proportion of workers over 50.

The pilot program, named «Experience Matters», aims to place 2,000 trainees with 500 employers by October 2026. The Ministry of Social Policy estimates 3.5 million people from the 55-70 age cohort could join the workforce. The program involves registration, three free training modules (career strategy, digital tools, cross-generational teams), and a ten-day internship with individual compensation. Training is available online and in-person in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Lviv.

Employers increasingly view workers over 55 as indispensable due to shortages. A survey of 120 companies found 65% willing to consider candidates over 50, and some companies, like Astarta-Kyiv and Aurora, already hire older workers. However, challenges remain: 65% of companies cite digital skills as an obstacle, and 60% acknowledge age stereotypes in hiring. The pilot's scale (2,000 trainees from a potential 3.5 million) highlights the significant gap.