Ukrainian agribusiness group Kernel and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) have signed a €1 million grant agreement to support the development of the company’s human capital, the training of young technical specialists and the modernization of production infrastructure in line with barrier-free accessibility principles.
As part of the project, Kernel will establish modern training laboratories at four vocational colleges in Odesa, Poltava, Kropyvnytskyi and Starokostiantyniv in the Khmelnytskyi region. The laboratories will be equipped with modern technology for training electricians, industrial automation specialists and other technical professionals.
Over the next five years, the training facilities are expected to prepare around 600 specialists who will be able to work in agriculture, industry and the renewable energy sector. The project is focused on developing practical vocational skills and providing businesses with qualified technical personnel.
The second component of the program involves the modernization of Kernel’s production facilities in accordance with international principles of barrier-free accessibility and universal design. The company plans to adapt its workplace infrastructure, including to meet the needs of veterans returning to civilian employment.
The grant agreement is being implemented under the EBRD’s Human Capital Investment Incentive (HCII) program, launched in 2024 to help Ukrainian companies address workforce challenges caused by the war. The program provides co-financing for investments aimed at creating employment opportunities, developing professional skills and improving the accessibility of workplace infrastructure.
Donor support for the cooperation between the EBRD and Kernel is provided by the TaiwanBusiness–EBRD Technical Cooperation Fund.
