Ukraine opens first school for female construction equipment operators

What is the problem?

"I dreamed of teaching women to operate heavy construction machinery even before the war," says Yuliia Skichko, head of ALEF STROY Group. "However, there were no grounds to implement it back then, as there were still enough men on construction sites. The idea became a necessity with the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion. I realized we would face a significant workforce shortage in the industry. We needed to act immediately and showcase the potential of women in this field."

Skichko emphasizes that the School aims to provide equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender. Professional abilities and ambitions should not be limited by traditional gender roles—women are capable of excelling in any industry, including those typically dominated by men.

What is the solution?

While the school primarily targets women, spots are also available for men. The program is designed like a training camp, where participants operate modern construction machinery. The training takes place in the Kyiv region, in the village of Nemishiaeve, at the Nemishaeve Vocational College under NUBiP of Ukraine. Practical lessons are conducted using modern excavators and loaders at a dedicated training ground.

What the school offers:

• Certification as an operator of specialized construction equipment in categories D1-D2.
• A 9-week full-time course with small groups of 15 participants.
• Completion of a full theoretical course before starting hands-on training.
• Mastery of 15 types of specialized construction equipment at the training ground.
• Training on how to perform various production tasks typically carried out by construction machinery on a real site.
• A state-recognized certificate upon completion.
• Assistance with job placement—organizers will help graduates find employment in enterprises across various Ukrainian cities and support those interested in becoming private entrepreneurs.

Tuition, accommodation, and meals are provided free of charge throughout both the theoretical and practical phases of the course.

A mandatory requirement is that participants must be of legal age at the time of enrollment.

While having a category "A" tractor driver's license can be an advantage, the key criterion for selection is a genuine desire to pursue a career in this new profession after graduation, with preference given to women who demonstrate this commitment.

"This project was not created just for people to 'try something new' or simply 'learn.' It's designed to help individuals acquire a new profession and become actively involved in the reconstruction of the country," explained Skichko.

Recruitment for the second and third groups, starting in October and November 2024, is currently ongoing.

Will it definitely work?

The official opening of the "School of Construction Equipment Operators" took place on August 1, 2024. Just a few days later, on August 5, the first group of 15 women began their training. The organizers aim to train a total of 75 women across five groups. 

The head of the ALEF STROY company, recalls how difficult it was to get people on board with the idea when she first started talking about creating a school for women construction equipment operators. Despite support from her colleagues, there was initial resistance. "What kind of fantasies are these? What women would want to sit behind the wheel of an excavator?"—this is what Skichko often heard over the past year. Many men were convinced that operating heavy machinery was not a woman's job and that no woman would even be interested in doing it.

"It all changed when, during a meeting of the Council of Women Entrepreneurs under the Kyiv Regional State Administration, we were told: 'Ladies, bring us your boldest ideas, and we'll help you make them happen.' That's when I knew the school had to exist. When you try to push for change alone, it feels slow and impossible. But with the right support, so many doors open," Skichko recalls.

The collective efforts of her team turned this bold idea into reality, showing the true capabilities of Ukrainian women and their willingness to take on challenges, especially in such difficult times for Ukraine.

She is deeply proud of the women who have already begun their training. "They are incredible: beautiful, determined, open—true Ukrainian women," she shares with admiration.

To date, over 100 people have applied to join the "School of Construction Equipment Operators." The head of ALEF STROY personally interviewed many of the candidates. Each person who has been accepted has their own unique motivation, but the common thread is a clear and determined desire to pursue this career path.

For example, one participant is a woman who already knows how to operate a dump truck. "I know I'm capable of more, and I need to realize my full potential," she explained.

Another participant shared that she had dreamed of operating construction machinery her entire life. In the past, this seemed like an impossible goal. She even faced barriers when trying to become a simple tractor driver—no educational institution would accept her: "Everyone told me it was a man's job. They turned me away, nobody wanted me!"

This woman, now 35 years old, was finally able to receive training and learned to drive a tractor. Thanks to the School, she now has the chance to fulfill her biggest dream—to operate an excavator.

Skichko shares that the first group is made up of highly motivated women from all over Ukraine. The oldest participant is 55 years old and previously worked in manufacturing.

"This woman feels the strength and energy to become a builder and help rebuild her country! People told me there were no women interested in becoming excavator operators—but they do exist! These women and girls have a passion for it, but we don't see it because the doors were always closed to them," says Skichko.

In fact, Skichko herself has sat behind the wheel of an excavator on multiple occasions. "I don't have a certification, but as a construction company manager and the person behind this school idea, I had to try it. I can tell you—it's amazing, and I want other women and girls to experience it too," she shares enthusiastically.

She adds that modern construction equipment is very user-friendly: "It's incredibly innovative, with a lot of electronics," and she firmly believes that both men and women are equally capable of operating it. That's why, Skichko emphasizes, it's crucial to support women and girls in pursuing this career path.

The organizers of the School firmly believe in the importance of fostering an inclusive work environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. They emphasize that providing equal professional opportunities not only benefits personal growth but also fuels Ukraine's economic development. When everyone is able to fully realize their potential, Ukraine will benefit from more innovations, diverse ideas, and new approaches to solving challenges.