Empowering Ukrainian refugees into the Swedish job market and local community - European Union
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European Year of Skills
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Empowering Ukrainian refugees into the Swedish job market and local community

Read the story of how the Ukraine Competence Programme led by Elvira and its umbrella organisation ABF Stockholm  supported Ukrainian refugees to enter the Swedish job market.  

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Career guidance as key to faster integration into the Swedish labour market and society 

The Ukraine Competence Programme, co-funded by the European Social Fund under the Fast Care programme area, looks to offer career guidance and improve participants' skills in areas critical to successful integration into the Swedish labour market. Advisors offer information, coaching, and help to individuals seeking employment or education opportunities. The programme provides a variety of activities, including industry-specific training programmes, language courses, vocational training, civic orientation counselling, and social activities. Participants develop not only technical skills, but also cultural and social competencies needed for successful integration.  

The role of EU funding in helping guide people towards their place in the job market   

EU funding eases collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including businesses, civil society, local governments, and non-profit organisations. Private-public collaboration is critical for our society's growth. In this case, ESF funding helped foster innovative solutions to empower refugees. The tailored programme not only enabled refugees to develop essential skills for employment, but also created networking opportunities, helping participants in securing jobs.  

Elvira picture

A real contribution toward participants’ labour market integration  

After three months, the programme, with a focus on career guidance, has produced encouraging results. 15% of participants found jobs that matched their preferences. 35% of them have begun or applied for educational programmes based on their preferences and the needs of the Swedish job market to the Swedish job market.  

“The Ukraine Competence Programme has been incredibly important for me and my personal development in Sweden. I have learned Swedish and gained a deeper understanding of Swedish society. Thanks to it, I feel more integrated, and I am ready to grow professionally. It feels reassuring to know that I have the support and guidance of UCP’s career advisors”.   

Valeriia Sefibekova, a participant in the Ukraine Competence Programme 

Project locations
Sweden