On April 30, 2024, Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design hosted Job Fair-2024 to introduce and disseminate information about professional growth and career opportunities for students. It was solemnly opened by the Rector of KNUTD, Ivan Gryshchenko, Doctor of Economics, Professor, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, who greeted all the participants and emphasized the 94 years of training highly qualified specialists for many sectors of the economy of our country. He also noted that the University has a high professional and educational recognition, confirming its competitiveness by its positions in the national and international rankings, and wished fruitful communication and new employment opportunities for students.

The format of the event included several Platforms. Upon completion of the first of them, "Design and Fashion Industry", within the framework of Job Fair-2024, the event continued at the Faculty of Arts and Fashion, in the meeting room of the Academic Council of the University.

The Career Day was opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Fashion, Natalia Ostapenko, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor. With words of gratitude, she addressed the representatives of partner companies who visited the University this year, provided production facilities for practical training in recent years, participated in updating educational programs, held lectures and master classes directly at the production facilities, read author's courses at the University, etc. Most importantly, they conducted explanatory work on the prospects in such a difficult industry, the importance and respect for professions in the fashion industry, including fashion designer, designer, constructor, technologist, mechanic, seamstress and many others. Natalia Valentynivna emphasized that graduates of the specialty 182 "Light Industry Technologies" have a high employment rate. The event was moderated by Olha Haranina, Head of the Department of Fashion Technology, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, who told the participants about the high prestige of the University, its unique educational programs, modern material and technical base and wide opportunities for development.

Olha Tatarinova, Director of Human Resources at Textile-Contact LLC, welcomed the participants, noted the importance of holding this event and the possibility of real recruitment, wished the participants productive communications and long-term cooperation, and spoke about the company’s activities.

Inna Briuko, Employer Branding Specialist at LNP Ukraine, emphasized that the event is a platform for communication between students and graduates who are actively looking for a job and employers. She spoke about an international company that successfully operates in the light industry and retail sector and invited them to cooperate. 

From Natalia Priadka, Head of HR at Ukrainian Cossacks LLC, students received information about current vacancies and employment requirements, learned about the prospects for the development of a garment company and the specifics of the work of a technologist and designer.  

Among the key issues that Mykhailo Kucherenko, Director of Surikat LLC, focused on were labor market trends, supply and demand of knowledge and skills that a young person would need to build a successful career. The director expressed his gratitude for the close ties established with the Department of Fashion Technology and for the graduates employed by the company.

Natalia Aminova, Head of the HR Department at TK-Home Textile LLC, joined the congratulations, outlined the prospects for professional activity, the skills necessary for work, pointed out to the applicants the real needs of the enterprise, the range of career opportunities – from technologist to enterprise manager, especially with knowledge of English. She spoke in detail about the company's production facilities, product range, and production processes, including the embroidery and quilting areas, the latest equipment, and the company's further expansion. Natalia Anatoliivna also noted that graduates of the University work at TK-Home Textile LLC, and that cooperation within the School of Seamstresses project continues. 

Anna Hridasova, founder and creative director of Ariamo Fashion Group, a wedding and evening dresses company, addressed the audience. She spoke at length about the positions that graduates of the Faculty can hold, and formulated the requirements for modern young professionals in the labor market. She also highlighted the peculiarities of cutting, sewing and decorating wedding dresses.

Natalia Mitchenkova, head of Malisa Knitwear Production, also welcomed the participants, emphasized the relevance of the event and expressed her gratitude to the University for creating points of contact between young people and the business environment, and emphasized the shortage of personnel. She spoke about a domestic enterprise specializing in the manufacture of hats and accessories and invited everyone to visit the production.

Tamara Nazarok, a leading career guidance specialist at the Career Development Department of the Social Services Department of the Kyiv City Employment Center, welcomed the audience and emphasized that employers need young professionals.

Yana Malychna, Director of Banana Bunch Group, focused on the organization's activities and initiatives for young professionals.

Valeria Molotkovska, a student and also a representative of the Velma sewing shop, spoke about the assortment, her own experience in production, and the specifics of manufacturing.  

Valeria Farina, head of the Smart Factory and a master of industrial training at Kyiv Professional College of Technology and Fashion Design, invited the teachers to join the team.

Traditionally, the meeting between employers and students was held in a warm and friendly atmosphere. A constructive dialogue, in which students asked questions to the speakers and shared their thoughts on career development, took place. Employers are very interested in graduates with the necessary knowledge and skills.

We express our gratitude to our business partners and employers for their participation in the event, informative presentations, and understanding of the need for joint efforts of business and education to overcome the consequences of the war and rebuild the national economy of Ukraine! We wish our higher education students future careers and professional growth!

08.05.2024