Deadline: 22-Jan-2026
UNICEF, in partnership with Ukraine’s Ministry of Education and Science, is implementing a national online training programme on career guidance to support the New Ukrainian School reform. The initiative equips educators with structured tools and skills to help adolescents make informed education and career decisions amid ongoing system disruptions.
Programme Overview
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, is advancing the New Ukrainian School (NUS) reform through a structured online training programme for educators focused on career guidance.
The programme strengthens educators’ capacity to support adolescents in self-exploration, education and career pathway exploration, and basic career planning, addressing long-standing gaps in systematic career guidance across Ukrainian secondary schools.
Why Career Guidance Matters in Ukraine
Policy Context and Urgency
In Ukraine, students completing Grade 9 are increasingly required to make early and informed decisions about their educational and career trajectories.
Despite growing policy attention, most secondary schools lack:
• Standardized career guidance curricula
• Trained career guidance professionals
• Evidence-based tools and methodologies
Career guidance is often delivered informally by teachers or psychologists without specialized training, leading to decisions shaped by:
• Incomplete or inaccurate information
• Parental pressure
• Social and gender stereotypes
These challenges have been intensified by COVID-19 disruptions and the ongoing war, which have reduced learning continuity and access to real-world career exposure.
Programme Objectives
The UNICEF-supported initiative aims to:
• Design and deliver a modular online career guidance training programme
• Build educator capacity to implement school-based career guidance activities
• Support students’ informed education and career decision-making
• Establish a national community of practice for educators on career guidance
• Align school-level practices with national education reforms
What the Training Programme Includes
Structure and Duration
The programme consists of 45 academic hours, delivered through:
• Three online learning modules
• One final in-person consolidation session
This blended structure ensures both theoretical understanding and practical application.
Core Curriculum Themes
The training curriculum focuses on:
• Student self-exploration and interests
• Understanding education pathways and professions
• Basic career planning and decision-making
• Engagement with parents and local communities
• Gender-responsive and inclusive career guidance approaches
All content is aligned with the New Ukrainian School framework.
Implementation Timeline
Training and School Activities
Between March and June 2026, participating educators will:
• Complete online training modules
• Apply learning through practical career guidance activities in schools
These activities will include:
• Classroom-based career guidance sessions
• Group discussions and interactive exercises
• Individual student consultations
• Parent engagement and awareness activities
Monitoring and Evaluation Framework
To ensure quality and effectiveness, the programme includes a robust monitoring and evaluation system.
Key Monitoring Tools
• Pre- and post-training knowledge assessments
• Attendance and participation tracking
• Review of completed assignments and activities
• Collection of qualitative feedback from educators
This approach ensures measurable improvements in educator capacity and programme impact.
Who Is the Programme For?
Primary Beneficiaries
• Teachers and educators in secondary schools
• School psychologists and education specialists
Secondary Beneficiaries
• Adolescents in Grades 8–9
• Parents and caregivers
• School communities across Ukraine
How the Programme Works
Step-by-Step Process
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Selection and enrollment of participating educators
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Completion of three online training modules
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Implementation of career guidance activities at school level
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Engagement with students, parents, and communities
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Participation in the final in-person consolidation session
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Evaluation of outcomes and integration into ongoing practice
Common Challenges the Programme Addresses
• Lack of standardized career guidance tools
• Limited educator training in career counseling
• Gender and social stereotypes influencing student choices
• Reduced access to experiential learning due to crisis conditions
• Fragmented guidance practices across schools
Why This Initiative Matters
For Students
• Improved self-awareness and decision-making skills
• Better understanding of education and career options
• Reduced influence of stereotypes and misinformation
For Educators
• Practical tools for structured career guidance
• Professional development aligned with national reforms
• Participation in a national community of practice
For the Education System
• Stronger implementation of the New Ukrainian School reform
• More equitable and informed education pathways
• Scalable, evidence-based career guidance model
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the goal of the UNICEF career guidance programme?
To strengthen educators’ capacity to deliver structured, school-based career guidance for adolescents in Ukraine.
2. How long is the training programme?
The programme includes 45 academic hours, combining online modules and an in-person session.
3. Who participates in the training?
Secondary school educators, teachers, and school psychologists involved in student guidance.
4. What topics does the curriculum cover?
Self-exploration, education pathways, career planning, parent engagement, and inclusive guidance practices.
5. When will the programme be implemented?
Between March and June 2026.
6. How is the programme evaluated?
Through pre- and post-assessments, participation tracking, assignment reviews, and qualitative feedback.
7. How does this align with national education reform?
The programme directly supports the New Ukrainian School reform by operationalizing career guidance at school level.
Conclusion
UNICEF’s online career guidance training programme represents a strategic investment in Ukraine’s education system, addressing critical gaps in adolescent career support during a period of profound disruption. By equipping educators with standardized tools, practical skills, and a national support network, the initiative strengthens informed decision-making, promotes equity, and advances the long-term goals of the New Ukrainian School reform.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
