Odesa, Ukraine, 26 January 2026 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, with funding from the Government of Japan, has completed the modernization of training facilities at two vocational education institutions in Odesa Oblast.

With the support of the Odesa Regional State Administration and the Odesa City State Administration, two institutions underwent major renovations and received extensive upgrades to their training equipment, ensuring alignment with current labour-market needs.

At the Odesa Professional College of Maritime and Railway Transport, UNDP supported the modernization of a specialized workshop for training sailors and engine operators – professions critical for the uninterrupted operation of the Greater Odesa port cluster (Pivdenny, Chornomorsk, and Odesa ports) and the region’s broader logistics infrastructure. In particular, the college received a state-of-the-art navigation bridge simulator, enabling students to gain practical skills in handling a ship in conditions close to real-life operations. 

At a college in Odesa region, a new training and practical laboratory for agricultural specialists was established. The facility provides students specializing in agricultural machinery operation and maintenance with digital and technical skills that are increasingly essential in southern Ukraine’s rapidly evolving agricultural sector. This modernization broadens the range of in-demand competencies available to future graduates.

More than 280 students across two institutions have already enrolled in UNDP-supported specializations and begun using the upgraded facilities.

Mizuho Yokoi, Programme Manager at UNDP in Ukraine, highlighted the strategic importance of the region to UNDP’s work. 

“UNDP sees the Odesa region as vital to Ukraine’s long-term recovery and sustainable development. By investing in modern, inclusive vocational education – with support from the Government of Japan – we are helping to equip people with the skills needed in sectors that form the backbone of the region’s economy,” she said. “These upgraded facilities will not only meet immediate labour‑market demands, but also help build a skilled workforce capable of driving sustainable growth, strengthening local communities, and supporting Ukraine’s economic resilience for years to come.”

Oleksandr Lonchak, Director of the Department of Education and Science of the Odesa Regional State Administration, highlighted the importance of the maritime, logistics, and agricultural sectors for the region.

“These sectors underpin the region’s economic resilience, provide employment, and ensure the uninterrupted operation of the Greater Odesa ports and agricultural production. With the support of UNDP and the Government of Japan, vocational education institutions can train skilled professionals in demand of the regional economy, using modern equipment.”

Yuliia Filler, Director of the Department of Education and Science of the Odesa City State Administration, iterated the importance of the city’s cooperation with UNDP. “Since the start of the full-scale invasion, 49 educational institutions in Odesa have been damaged, some of them repeatedly. We are deeply grateful to UNDP and the Government of Japan for their support to the education sector during this exceptionally challenging period for our city. Thanks to this assistance, our children and students are able to continue learning and access quality, inclusive education.”

Background:

UNDP’s support to vocational education in Odesa Oblast is part of a long-term effort to strengthen labour markets and expand access to modern skills training.

With funding from the Government of Japan, short-term vocational training programmes for adults will soon be launched across the region. Seven vocational education institutions will provide training in professions including electricians, electric and gas welders, painters, agricultural drone operators, plasterers, tailors, cooks, repair technicians, and PC operators. A dedicated component will also focus on training instructors in adaptive clothing production.

Recently, UNDP and Japan also opened upgraded training centres for energy-sector specialists in Kyiv region and Vinnytsia.

Media enquiries:

Yuliia Samus, Head of Communications and Advocacy, UNDP Ukraine; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org