Kernel and EBRD invest €1 million in human capital development

The funding will be aimed at training young technical specialists and creating a barrier-free working environment. Over five years, they plan to train about 600 qualified specialists.

Kernel and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) have signed a grant agreement for 1 million euros to develop the company’s programs in the field of human capital, USM reported in the company’s press service.

The partners believe that investments in people are a necessary condition for the recovery of Ukraine and these steps must be taken now, working for the future.

“For us, the partnership with the EBRD is not only about financing, but above all about the synchronization of values. An international financial institution of this level trusts us with the implementation of strategic social projects in times of war. We show the market that Ukrainian business can work according to the highest global standards of transparency, investing in professional education and inclusion directly in the regions where it is critically needed now,” commented Nataliya Teryakhina on the signing of the HRD Kernel.

The first direction of the project will be the creation of modern training laboratories in four vocational colleges of Ukraine – in Odessa, Poltava, Kropyvnytskyi and Starokostyantyniv. They will train specialists in working professions that are critically important for the agricultural sector, industry and renewable energy today: electricians, production automation specialists and other technical specialists.

The laboratories will be equipped with the latest generation equipment. This will allow students to acquire real practical skills and meet the requirements of the modern labor market.

It is expected that within five years the laboratories will train about 600 qualified young specialists who will become the basis for the restoration of the Ukrainian economy in the regions.

The second direction of the grant program involves the modernization of Kernel production facilities in accordance with international principles of accessibility and universal design. The company implements all solutions in cooperation with veterans so that they meet the real needs of people returning to civilian work. This work is part of a comprehensive program of support for veterans, covering workplace adaptation, physical and psychological reintegration.

“The EBRD supports projects that help Ukrainian businesses strengthen their resilience while investing in the country’s future. Our partnership with Kernel demonstrates the important role the private sector can play in rebuilding Ukraine’s human capital. Investing in accessible and inclusive technical education creates new opportunities for people, strengthens business resilience and demonstrates to future international investors the maturity of Ukrainian companies,” said Sonia Jordan-Kirvan, EBRD Director for Gender Equality and Economic Inclusion.

Note. The initiative is implemented within the framework of the EBRD Human Capital Investment Incentive (HCII) grant program, launched in 2024 to support Ukrainian companies in addressing the human resources challenges caused by the war.

Donor support for cooperation is provided by the TaiwanBusiness–EBRD Technical Cooperation Fund.