Finding employment stands as one of the most formidable obstacles that IDPs face. They often struggle to secure a job since their skills and past experience might not align with the demands of the labor market in their newfound location. To facilitate their integration, several initiatives have been undertaken in Ukraine to bolster the professional competencies of IDPs.
One such effort is the car diagnostics course for IDPs, supported by the Charity Foundation Stabilization Support Services and the Choose Love humanitarian organization. Given the continual advancements in the auto industry, proficiency in car diagnostics offers an added avenue for employment and personal development.
The inaugural phase of this project welcomed 17 internally displaced persons from various oblasts of Ukraine to Kovel for study. The following are the stories of five individuals who, despite the hardships of war, are striving forward and currently acquiring a new skill set in car mechanics.
The Story of the Twins Bohdan and Mykyta Symutin
Bohdan and Mykyta Symutin are IDPs hailing from Mariupol. Amidst the many challenges they have braved, the harshest was the disappearance of their father, a soldier, in the Zaporizka Oblast.
In their native town, they were pursuing studies to become police officers. However, when the full-scale invasion began, their university was relocated to Kryvyi Rih, prompting their move as well. Harsh life circumstances necessitated the brothers to halt their university education and relocate with their mother to their relatives in Chernivtsi.
The twins’ mother stumbled upon information regarding free car diagnostics courses for IDPs. Viewing this training as a pathway for her sons to explore a new career and, consequently, gain stability, she informed her sons about the courses. They submitted application forms and began training in early June.
“The educational foundation provided here is substantial. The instructors deliver the material in a comprehensible and engaging manner. After the courses, we will most likely go on to continue studying in this field,” Bohdan shared his future plans.
The Story of Andriy Halushkov
Andriy Halushkov, a resident of Kharkiv, along with his wife and infant child of 10 months, found themselves in the midst of a full-scale war. The family sought refuge at their parents’ place in Balakliya, presuming it would be a safer option. However, the city fell under the control of the Russian military, and the Halushkovs had to live through the occupation. Shells were exploding right outside their home. Eventually, they managed to evacuate the dangerous area and are now living in Kremenchuk, in the Poltavska Oblast.
Previously an aircraft maintenance and repair engineer, Andriy worked at an airport but lost his job due to downsizing. A subsequent job offer abroad couldn’t materialize due to the imposition of martial law that prevented him from leaving the country. His efforts to secure a new job proved futile. He attempted to get a position as a car mechanic at a local service center but was turned down owing to inadequate experience and certificates. Hence, Andriy hopes that the car diagnostics course will enhance his job prospects, enabling him to find work.
“Airplane manufacturing and landing runways have been decimated, and their reconstruction seems impossible. Hence, I’m unable to find work in my field. All my efforts have been fruitless. I have always been passionate about working with cars, which drew me to these courses since employment is unfeasible without prior experience and relevant educational credentials,” Andriy said.
The Story of Olha Hontarieva
Before the full-scale invasion, Olha Hontarieva lived near Volnovakha, a city currently under Russian occupation. Her house suffered during the fighting, it was damaged and subsequently commandeered by the Russian military.
Since February 24, 2022, the city was bereft of basic amenities like water, electricity, transport, and communication. They found refuge in their basement, only venturing back into their house to cook on gas, subsisting on canned food, cereals, water, and bread rings as candy substitutes for the children. Her eldest son, afflicted with chronic bronchitis, fell severely ill in the basement, with no medication to aid his recovery. They managed to escape, almost miraculously, aboard the last bus with volunteers during a momentary green corridor.
They reached Lviv on March 4 and resided at a Collective Center in a school for two weeks before moving to Uzhhorod. Here, they found shelter in a church, and with the assistance of local people, they were able to find and furnish an apartment, contributions from various locals included a mattress and a bed.
Her husband reported to the military enlistment office, but due to health issues, he was exempted from service and is now employed as a car mechanic, trying to provide for his large family.
Olha, too, is eager to secure a job, but her practical skills are insufficient. Thus, she chose to enroll in the auto diagnostics course.
“I was previously employed at a factory and then, I was simultaneously on maternity leave and pursuing higher education. Yet, even then, I felt more drawn to technology than economics. Moreover, there is a high demand for car mechanics, and experts in this field are always needed. That’s why I wanted to gain deeper insights into this subject,” Olha explained.
She hopes for the liberation of her hometown but acknowledges that it might not occur as soon as she desires. Instead of putting her life on standby, she is planning her future in the new city, with the car diagnostics course serving as a stepping stone towards acclimatizing in her new community.
“I will remember Kovel as a welcoming town. All who came to study and our mentors have become dear friends. The time to leave for our new homes is nearing, and the farewell is emotional. Having lost our past, the kindness and attention received here is felt even more profoundly. It’s incredibly touching,” Olha shared her sentiments regarding the car diagnostics course.
The Story of Anton But
Anton But, a research engineer, became an internally displaced person following the full-scale invasion. His sister and her husband have found shelter in his apartment in Kramatorsk after her house was shelled and burned to the ground.
Anton left his hometown on an evacuation train.
“There were 12 individuals crammed into one compartment. The conditions were extremely challenging,” Anton remembers his evacuation.
He now resides in Rivne, where he’s actively job hunting. Despite regularly reviewing various job postings, he mostly encounters subpar working conditions and low remuneration.
Anton stresses the importance of a stable income that commensurates with his professional capabilities and experience. He is optimistic that the car diagnostics training will pave the way for a dignified job that ensures a decent living standard for his family.
“I continue to be employed as a researcher at the Kramatorsk Machine-Building Plant. As Kramatorsk is subjected to daily shelling, the factory’s fate is uncertain. Extra knowledge will certainly not be harmful. When we initially moved to Rivne, there were no job opportunities. I will return after the courses and continue my search,” Anton said.
About the initiative
“The Automotive Diagnostics Courses for IDPs project, being executed in Kovel, holds immense significance. It ushers in possibilities for those who have been forces to relocate within the country and are exploring new avenues for self-fulfillment. These courses not only equip participants with practical skills and knowledge but also aid in the psychological well-being of IDPs and their societal reintegration,” asserts Khrystyna Oliynyk, Project Manager at Stabilization Support Services.
The Charity Foundation Stabilization Support Services, with Choose Love’s backing, continues to enroll for subsequent stages of free car diagnostic training courses for car mechanics, which cater to both novices and seasoned professionals.
Basic information about car diagnostics courses:
- Location: Kovel.
- Dates for experienced professionals’ course: 03 July 2023 — 28 July 2023. Participant selection has closed.
- Dates for beginners’ course: 01 August 2023 — 25 August 2023. Application deadline: 24 July 2023
- Link to application form: https://bit.ly/3BD1aJS.
Following the application screening, candidates will be called for an interview to evaluate their existing knowledge and skills.
The auto diagnostics courses encompass various subjects pertinent to car diagnostics, enabling participants to enrich their knowledge and proficiency in this field. All successful graduates will be awarded state-issued certificates.
