Skills Gaps of Ukrainian Youth in the Digital Era: Through the Lens of the War in Ukraine

Implemented by Hanna Harus, this Fellowship project tackled the pressing issue of youth unemployment in Ukraine, exacerbated by the ongoing war. The initiative focused on identifying the skills gaps that hinder Ukrainian youth in their job search and career development, both in Ukraine and abroad. With the support of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Fellowship Programme, Hanna conducted a comprehensive social survey to understand the obstacles faced by young people and provide actionable solutions.

The project began with a social survey designed by a professional sociologist, conducted between November and December 2022. A total of 391 respondents aged 18-29, hailing from diverse regions of Ukraine, participated. The survey assessed their levels of digital literacy, job search abilities, technical competencies, and soft skills, while also identifying systemic barriers such as sexism, ageism, lack of job-specific knowledge, and the war’s impact on employability.  The survey was designed as an interactive test, allowing participants to evaluate their skills and receive personalized feedback. At the end of the survey, all participants received a checklist titled “How to Get a Job Without Experience,” equipping them with practical steps to enhance their employability. The survey also served as a platform for collecting qualitative insights on the challenges Ukrainian youth face, which included discrimination, misinformation about vacancies, and employers’ reluctance to hire individuals from war-affected areas.

Download the report “Skills Gaps of Ukrainian Youth in the Digital Era: Through the Lens of War in Ukraine” in Ukrainian.

Based on the survey findings, Hanna Harus collaborated with experts to create a series of infographics and training materials recommending the top skills required for employment and efficient ways to acquire them. To further engage participants, the project offered career consultations with Hanna Harus and Dr. Stephane Bordas, a globally renowned professor in computational mechanics and data science. A randomized lottery allowed two participants to win personalized consultations, while almost 300 survey respondents expressed interest in similar career guidance. During the consultations, participants received tailored advice on building their career strategy, enhancing their skills, and leveraging job experiences to advance professionally.

By leveraging the survey insights, expert consultations, and outreach campaigns, the project equipped Ukrainian youth with the tools to bridge their skills gaps and become more competitive in the modern job market. The fellowship’s outcomes—available online for a wide audience—offer sustainable guidance for career development, empowering young people to overcome challenges and build successful careers in a rapidly changing environment.