National Internship Initiative: 'Experience Matters'
Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers has launched a nationwide internship program for people aged 50 and older, called 'Experience Matters'. Developed in partnership with the State Employment Center, private businesses, and civil society organizations, this initiative aims to dismantle the employment barriers that older workers often face. It directly addresses the challenges this age group encounters when trying to re-enter or remain in the workforce.
A study titled 'The Labor Market After 50' found that 65% of companies cite a lack of digital skills as a major hurdle for hiring older candidates. Furthermore, 60% of businesses acknowledge that age-related stereotypes negatively influence their hiring decisions. These findings highlight an urgent need for new pathways that allow people of all ages to contribute their skills and experience in Ukraine's evolving economy.
"That is why the government is shaping a new employment policy, where human capital is the country's main resource. The focus is not just on creating jobs, but on removing the barriers that prevent people from working."
Yuliia Svyrydenko
Three Key Stages of the Program
The 'Experience Matters' program is structured around three distinct phases:
- The first stage centers on training and preparation for the next career step. This includes updating resumes, adapting to current labor market demands, and acquiring practical, hands-on skills.
- The second stage involves meetings with potential employers to discuss possible collaboration formats and job opportunities.
- In the third stage, participants are either hired directly or placed in short-term internships within companies. This allows candidates to get familiar with the workflow while employers assess their fit for the role.
Data from last year shows that 302,260 individual entrepreneurs (private business owners) employed over 817,000 Ukrainians. Currently, 14% of these entrepreneurs are creating new jobs. At the same time, nearly one-third of Ukrainians describe their job search experience as negative, citing a lack of feedback and unclear job requirements. These factors underscore the importance of new initiatives that can improve labor market conditions for older generations.
The launch of the 'Experience Matters' program marks a significant step in combating age discrimination in Ukraine's job market. It offers older adults not only a chance to acquire new skills but also to adapt to a rapidly changing work environment. As many companies face labor shortages, this initiative can help maximize the potential of experienced individuals who simply need support to re-enter active employment.
As the government introduces the 'Experience Matters' program to address employment challenges for older Ukrainians, it’s crucial to understand the broader context of the labor market. Recent reports reveal that five million Ukrainians are currently unemployed, raising questions about the underlying factors contributing to their exclusion from job opportunities. To explore who these individuals are and the reasons behind their struggles in the job market, see our detailed analysis on the current state of unemployment in Ukraine.