When young people left: employers remembered Ukrainians 50+

Ukraine is launching a new state program for people aged 50+ aimed at returning them to the labor market amid an acute shortage of workers. The Government reported this, emphasizing that the worker deficit has already become one of the main problems of the economy, especially in construction and the defense industry.

The issue of the labor shortage was discussed with Ella Libanova, director of the M. V. Ptukha Institute of Demography of the NAS of Ukraine. According to government officials, people are the country’s main resource during the war and for future recovery.

This concerns the launch of a national adult internship program “Experience Matters” aimed at Ukrainians aged 50+.

The program will consist of three stages:

• training and preparation for a new stage of career — updating resumes, adapting to current labor market requirements, acquiring practical skills;
• meeting with an employer and discussing the format of cooperation;
• employment or short-term internship with the possibility of further work.

The Government notes that the program will be implemented together with the State Employment Center, businesses, and public organizations.

It is separately emphasized that the employment problem for older people is often not due to a lack of experience, but to employer prejudices and insufficient levels of digital skills.

The study “Labor Market After 50” notes that:

• 65% of companies named weak digital skills of candidates as a barrier;
• 60% acknowledged the influence of age stereotypes during hiring.

At the same time, employers positively assess the reliability and responsibility of older workers.

The Government stated that the new employment policy should be aimed not only at creating jobs but also at removing barriers to work for people of different ages.

You can apply to participate in the program and find details on the State Employment Center website:
State Employment Center — “Experience Matters”