Training vouchers: Cabinet introduces new requirement from employers
Ukraine has updated the rules for obtaining state vouchers for vocational training, retraining and advanced training. Now, to apply for a voucher, you must provide a letter of recommendation from an employer or a company that is ready to employ the person after completing the training.
This was reported on October 15 by the Ministry of Economy and Environment of Ukraine. The changes are provided by Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 1225 of October 7, 2026.
The main innovation is the mandatory confirmation of training needs by the employer. Previously, voucher applicants could independently choose a profession and educational institution without such a document.
For employed citizens, the letter of recommendation must confirm the need for retraining or advanced training. It can be provided by the current employer or a potential employer who plans to hire the person after training.
Those who are not employed must obtain a letter from a potential employer. The company must confirm the need for the relevant specialist and commit to their subsequent employment.
Who is eligible for training vouchers
The State Employment Service program allows certain categories of citizens to pay for acquiring a new profession or upgrading qualifications with state funds. In particular, it is available to people aged 45 and over with the required insurance period, internally displaced persons, veterans, people with disabilities, those discharged from military service and certain categories of victims of Russian aggression, subject to established conditions.
In 2026, the maximum voucher value is UAH 33,280. If the chosen training is more expensive, the difference must be paid independently or by the employer.
Who may be denied
The new rules clarify restrictions on re-receiving state support. Vouchers will not be issued to individuals who have undergone vocational training at the expense of the Unemployment Insurance Fund within the last three years.
An exception is provided for internally displaced persons who received the appropriate status after February 24, 2022 and have not undergone retraining at the Fund's expense since then.
A separate restriction applies to those who have obtained vocational, pre-higher or higher education within the last three years. It does not apply to people who, due to health reasons, have lost the opportunity to work according to their previously acquired qualification and have appropriate medical confirmation.
Documents and voucher issuance
The Cabinet of Ministers has also expanded the list of documents that can confirm education. It is now permitted to use an electronic education document from the "Diia" application or information from the Unified State Electronic Database on Education (EDEBO).
In addition, documents on the award or recognition of professional qualifications and confirmation of the results of non-formal vocational training will be accepted. An educational institution for voucher training must be selected from the EDEBO register.
You can apply online through the State Employment Service website or in person at an employment center. After submitting the online application, it is processed within three working days.
Separately, the government has clarified the procedure for vocational training of registered unemployed. For categories defined by law, in particular IDPs, combatants, people with disabilities and citizens aged 45 and over with the required insurance period, unemployment benefits will be preserved for the period of training as directed by the employment service.
The changes also affected the experimental program to train women as tram, trolleybus and motor vehicle drivers. Participants must find employment within 45 calendar days after training, and employers must provide them with jobs within 60 days.
The Ministry of Economy explained that updating the rules should strengthen the link between state funding for vocational education and the real personnel needs of enterprises.
Source: Ministry of Economy and Environment of Ukraine, Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 1225, State Employment Service