Metinvest Polytechnic is expanding educational opportunities for veterans, helping them transition to civilian life and acquire new skills. One of its key initiatives is a partnership with the Heart of Azovstal that supports the defenders of Mariupol. As part of this collaboration, Metinvest Polytechnic has launched English language courses, with more than 20 veterans already enrolled.
Metinvest Polytechnic, Ukraine’s first private technical university, offers veterans a wide range of programmes – from professional retraining to higher education. The English language programme continues to expand, creating even more opportunities for defenders.
This educational initiative aims to help veterans adjust to civilian life, enhance their career prospects, and unlock new opportunities for personal growth. Participants undergo testing via the Moodle system and online interviews on Microsoft Teams before being placed into groups based on their proficiency level, ranging from beginner (A1) to confident user (B1).
“Supporting veterans is incredibly important, as they face new challenges when returning from war. One of those challenges is retraining and acquiring relevant skills. English opens doors to new opportunities in education, employment, and communication. We strive to make this learning process as accessible and effective as possible, therefore the course is well-structured, practical, and tailored to each participant’s needs,” said Nadiia RAHULINA, Head of the Department of Language and Humanities at Metinvest Polytechnic.
Anastasiia VOLOSHCHUK worked at Mariupol District Department of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Donetsk Region when the full-scale invasion began. Now she is a senior inspector in the Department of Emergency Prevention at Boryspil District Directorate of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Kyiv Region. Anastasiia has long recognised that English is not just an additional skill but a necessity.
“I studied English in school and university, but over time, I realised it’s more than just a subject – it’s a real tool that can be useful at any moment. In my work, being prepared for anything is crucial, and knowing English opens up new opportunities, from professional growth to communication with my international colleagues. At Metinvest Polytechnic, the material is presented in an engaging and accessible way, making learning truly enjoyable,” she shared.
For Rodion KUZNETSOV, an Azov Regiment veteran who returned after three years in captivity, every new opportunity is a step toward the future: “Life has taught me to appreciate every day and every chance I get. After captivity, I understand better than ever that you can’t put off what you can do today. I’m learning English almost from scratch, but I have plenty of motivation because the course is not only effective but also engaging. It gives me confidence and faith that I’ll overcome this challenge, just as I have all the others.”
Metinvest Polytechnic’s support for veterans extends beyond language courses. As part of the Heart of Azovstal. Future programme, veterans can pursue higher education through bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programmes. In 2024, ten participants of the Heart of Azovstal have already enrolled at the university under preferential conditions, aiming to build new careers and integrate into civilian life. Supporting those who defended the country is one of Metinvest Polytechnic’s key priorities. The university provides veterans not only with knowledge but also with confidence in their future and belief in new opportunities.
Ksenia SUKHOVA, director of the Heart of Azovstal: “Access to education is crucial for our veterans. It’s a key step in helping defenders who, for various reasons, don’t continue their military service transition to civilian life. This is a significant change that requires effort from the veterans themselves, as well as support from society, the public sector, businesses, and the state. By upgrading their qualifications, acquiring new skills, and pursuing new professions, our defenders build a solid foundation for a successful future where they can fully unlock their potential. Motivated and accomplished veterans are a driving force behind the success of our entire country.”
