After graduating from school, Karina Tiupa chose to become an electrician and enrolled at Kryvyi Rih Vocational Mining and Metallurgical Lyceum. At the time, she did not yet know where this choice would take her. After graduating, Karina works in her chosen profession at one of Kryvyi Rih’s largest industrial enterprises.

Emma Zakharevych, a 17-year-old high school student from Kryvyi Rih, and her team have secured $5,000 from the UActive program to help their peers take their first steps in the job market. Their initiative equips young people with practical tools to build resumes, communicate with employers, and successfully land their first jobs despite a lack of experience.

Quality vocational education is about much more than modern classrooms or state-of-the-art equipment. It is about giving people the opportunity to acquire in-demand skills, find meaningful employment, and take the next step in their professional journey.