Thanks to the cooperation between the Khmelnytskyi Regional Employment Center, Higher Vocational School No. 25 in Khmelnytskyiy, and the RePower Ukraine charitable foundation, the veteran has acquired the sought-after profession of solar power plant installer and is already working for a solar energy company.
Dmytro, a young man from the Luhansk region, settled in the Cherkasy region as an internally displaced person. Before that, he served as a dog handler in the State Border Guard Service — a serious job that taught him discipline and endurance. He was demobilised in 2024 and worked for a while in fire protection, but realised it was time to look for something more promising.
Why now — and why solar energy?
After serving in the State Border Guard Service, he sought to do something meaningful for Ukraine, rather than earn a living. Daily blackouts reminded him of the fragility of our country’s energy system. That’s why solar panels immediately caught his interest.
“I want to help make Ukraine more resilient — both now and after victory,” says Dmytro.
He learned about the course “Solar Power Plant Installer (SPP)” from representatives of the Bilolutsk community. They offered free training at the Higher Vocational School No. 25 in Khmelnytskyi. Dmytro thought, why not, and submitted an application.
Challenges and how to overcome them
Civilian life after the front line is not easy. It is difficult to adapt, money runs out, and health issues arise. Additionally, Dmytro had no technical knowledge beyond the basics of fire safety from his time working in fire protection. What finally convinced him to take part in the course was that all training costs were fully covered. It was a real opportunity, not just empty promises.
Training that builds confidence
Three weeks flew by unnoticed: first, the theory (the basics of energy efficiency and the latest developments in solar energy), and then real practice: installing panels, pulling cables, and setting up inverters.
“Learning everything from scratch wasn’t easy, but practising on real objects immediately gave me confidence,” recalls Dmytro. “The teachers explained everything in detail. Without their support, it would have been difficult.”
All the knowledge, skills, and abilities he acquired were immediately valuable for his work.
A new phase: work and plans
With the certificate in hand, it’s time to move forward. Dmytro has already secured a job at a company that specialises in installing solar power stations for businesses and private households, offering a comprehensive range of turnkey services. His first tasks include pulling cables, installing panels, and other similar tasks.
“The salary is decent, and they also provide accommodation and transport, which is crucial for me because it helps reduce expenses,” he smiles. He dreams of career growth: becoming a qualified specialist or starting his own business. He is also incredibly motivated by the fact that every kilowatt of power installed makes Ukraine greener and more sustainable.
Advice from Dmitry
“Veterans and displaced persons, don’t waste time, sign up for the SES installation course! Stable income, career prospects, and a real contribution to Ukraine’s energy sustainability! I believe in solar energy because I see how it changes people’s lives. Thank you to the State Employment Service, the college, RePower Ukraine and the company for organising such a powerful support system. It’s too early to talk about my own business, but I already have dreams spinning around in my head!”
