Around 40 enterprises and educational institutions presented employment and training opportunities for Defenders who have returned from the front. The first veterans’ job fair called “New Opportunities After Service” was held in Zaporizhzhia.
It brought together over 200 participants – veterans, their relatives, families of fallen Defenders, as well as representatives of veteran organisations.
This job fair is intended to support veterans in their recovery, help them find their place in civilian life, and continue contributing to the development of strong and independent Ukraine. Among the participants were leading companies of Zaporizhzhia, including Zaporizhstal, Motor Sich, Urozhai, VELTI, Kozatska Ferma, and others.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Minister for Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, Nataliia Kalmykova, as well as representatives of regional and municipal authorities. She presented the ministry’s letters of appreciation to Defenders who are contributing to the development of the state veterans’ policy through their dedicated work.
“This job fair is only the beginning. Today, we are embarking on the path to ensure that enterprises and public institutions in the region find those who can and will work. I hope that even more veterans will participate next time. After all, the entire country, region, and city need their strength, their involvement, and their civic energy. We cannot manage without veterans. I believe that next time each of you will be able to share your success story,” Nataliia KALMYKOVA addressed the veterans.
Such a large-scale veterans’ job fair was organised in Zaporizhzhia for the first time. According to Ivan Fedorov, head of Zaporizhzhia Regional State Administration, it served as a kind of rehearsal. Currently, there are 7,000 demobilised veterans in the region, and their number is expected to grow over time. And they will require assistance with employment.
“Today, we are testing how we will assist Defenders in socialising, finding new professions, enrolling in universities, or retraining, as they have gained valuable experience defending our country. I am grateful to the veterans who attended the job fair today. You are truly the future, focused on developing and improving our Zaporizhzhia region starting today,” stated Ivan FEDOROV.
“Through the Employment Service, the state implements numerous programmes that provide opportunities for employment, education, and for our veterans to find their path by starting their own businesses. Today, we are here at the job fair to offer our services. Our specialists provide full support to veterans who approach us with any request,” said Zinaida BOIKO, Director of Zaporizhzhia Regional Employment Centre.
Regina Kharchenko, Secretary of Zaporizhzhia City Council, recalled that Zaporizhzhia became the first city in Ukraine to establish a Department for Veterans’ Affairs, the municipal institution “Veteran PRO,” and to adopt a comprehensive three-year veterans’ support programme.
Participants of the job fair had the opportunity to familiarise themselves with current vacancies, educational programmes, and business initiatives. There were also presentations on government employment programmes, mental health initiatives, and a panel discussion featuring representatives of veteran-owned businesses – entrepreneurs who, after their service, create jobs for their comrades and contribute to community development.
Mykola Shepelyakovskyi, a soldier of the 110th Territorial Defence Brigade and an employee of Zaporizhstal who has been defending Ukraine since 2022 despite a serious injury, visited the job fair and shared that he learned a great deal about opportunities available to veterans.
“I am interested in education – particularly in legal and economic fields,” says Mykola SHEPELIAKOVSKYI.
Anatolii Uzlov
War veteran and Zaporizhstal employee Anatolii Uzlov also attended the job fair. Having returned to work at his home enterprise following a serious injury, he is confident that such events are an excellent way to help soldiers adapt to civilian life.
“People returning from the war must reintegrate into civilian life and be engaged in earning a living,” believes Anatolii UZLOV.
During the job fair, representatives of Metinvest spoke about the benefits offered to employees after their military service. Currently, over 1,200 vacancies are open at the company’s enterprises in Zaporizhzhia.
The enterprises offer a stable and competitive salary, paid training funded by the company, a comprehensive social package, accommodation in dormitories, a corporate transport service, corporate discounts, and bonus programmes.
There are also additional options for war veterans, particularly retraining to acquire a new profession in the corporate university and obtaining higher education at Metinvest Polytechnic, adaptation in the workplace, support from an experienced mentor, and participation in the veteran community.
Oleh Shpykovskyi
A number of programmes are also available for veteran employees of Metinvest enterprises, including water rehabilitation under the “Free Waves” initiative, wellness activities at the “Veteran Camping” facility, counselling sessions through the “Speak Up. Veteran” platform, children’s wellness in Synevyr-Camp, and more.
Oleh SHPYKOVSKYI, Lead Specialist of the Recruitment, Development, and Training Department at Zaporizhstal, stated:
“We understand that it is very difficult to find a fully trained specialist, which is why the company is committed to training potential candidates and is ready to provide education from scratch. We also have the opportunity to provide education through Metinvest Polytechnic University, where we can offer training as well."
Metinvest places particular emphasis on rehabilitation and adaptation to civilian life. For example, I would like to mention a programme called “Free Waves” – it involves swimming-based rehabilitation sessions with veterans and is led by our Olympic medallist and fellow citizen, Denys Sylantiev.
A significant event took place during the fair – veterans and family members of fallen Defenders from Zaporizhzhia region received housing purchase certificates.
“We issued 37 certificates with a total value of over 84 million hryvnias. After receiving the funds, veterans and family members of fallen Defenders will independently choose the housing they wish to purchase,” said Ivan FEDOROV, who, together with the Minister for Veterans Affairs Nataliia Kalmykova, presented the documents to the Defenders.
The receipt of certificates became possible thanks to the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyi, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, and the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, with financial support from the European Union under the implementation of the Ukraine Facility instrument.
One of the veterans who received a certificate is Roman Ternovyi.
"The guys said it was impossible to get one. Everything is possible!" the man says with joy.
Roman Ternovyi has been defending the country since 2014. The war interrupted the man's peaceful life twice.
"In 2019–2020, I worked in the open-hearth furnaces. Later, I returned, faced the full-scale invasion, and at the end of 2022, was injured by a landmine. Then I underwent treatment, received a prosthesis, and returned once again. And then I was discharged – the health let me down a bit."
Roman also believes that events like job fairs are a great support for demobilised soldiers.
