PROFESSIONAL ADAPTATION OF VETERANS TO CIVILIAN LIFE: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

The professional adaptation of service members who are being discharged or have been discharged from military service, including war veterans returning to civilian life, is one of the key components of their successful reintegration into society. In the context of Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine and the significant increase in the number of war veterans, the issue of ensuring their return to active civilian life has become especially relevant. During their service, veterans acquired unique knowledge, skills, and practical experience; however, there is no existing mechanism for the official recognition of military competencies and their equivalence to civilian professional qualifications. Challenges such as navigating the labour market and a lack of adequate informational support pose significant barriers to their employment. This article explores the current state and challenges of professional adaptation for veterans returning to civilian life after military service. Particular attention is given to the analysis of support programs for the professional adaptation of veterans in Ukraine, focusing on key challenges related to access to educational opportunities and employment. The article analyses the institutional preconditions for creating an effective system for the professional integration of veterans, particularly for developing a “one-stop shop” to inform veterans about educational services and their reintegration into the labour market. It emphasizes the need to develop mechanisms for aligning military and civilian qualifications. The proposals presented at the round table “Development of the Professional Qualifications System in Ukraine” have practical value for shaping state policy to support veterans and improving the national qualifications system.