Leading employers in Zaporizhia have recently highlighted job opportunities for war veterans and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
The issue of employment for veterans and displaced individuals was a key focus at the Opportunities Fair organised by the Department of Veteran Affairs in Zaporizhia.
Rehina Kharchenko, Secretary of the City Council, underscored the importance of integrating veterans and IDPs into the local community.
“Since the start of the full-scale invasion, 300,000 IDPs have passed through Zaporizhia, with 154,000 settling here. Nearly 70% of them are of working age and wish to contribute to the community. It’s important that they find their place here – at our enterprises, businesses, schools, hospitals, or local government. We’re glad to welcome them in any public area.
The same applies to veterans who want to return to their civilian jobs or follow their business pursuits. They have an undeniable right to influence the processes and decisions made in their communities because they have highly complex but invaluable experience that can benefit our communities,” said Ms KHARCHENKO.
At the event, job seekers learned about employment platforms, current vacancies, and offerings from employers and the regional employment centre.
Zaporizhstal was among the top employers as it has extensive experience in hiring and adapting veterans to the workforce. The plant has developed a robust ecosystem to aid veterans, focusing on training, adaptation and continuous support. Zaporizhstal has plenty of job offerings – staff shortages are primarily due to workforce outflow, migration and mobilisation.
“We are ready to employ thousands of veterans from the job market. Learning a new profession takes between 3-6 months or longer, depending on the level of qualification required. Currently, Zaporizhstal alone has 700 vacancies for specialists in various fields. The most in-demand positions include sintering operators, blast furnace operators, steel casters, steel maker assistants, alloy preparation technicians, crane operators in metallurgical production, locomotive drivers and assistants. For people with disabilities, we offer retraining opportunities tailored to suitable professions," said Serhii KOIPYSH, head of Recruitment and Staff Development.
To date, 300 war veterans are employed at Zaporizhstal and other Zaporizhia-based enterprises of Metinvest. These are employees who returned to civilian life and resumed their work as well as those who joined Metinvest after returning from the front lines.
Returning veterans receive medical and psychological support, including treatment and prosthetic care if needed. They also benefit from retraining programmes, mentorship, and free education at Metinvest Polytechnic.
The workforce is also prepared for the veterans’ return through video courses and training sessions aimed at fostering productive teamwork.
