The State Agency for Restoration and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine (SARDI), with support from the EU4Reconstruction project (Stream 2), has launched RE:Generation, its first internship program aimed at preparing young professionals for careers in Ukraine’s recovery.
The initiative brings together students from 12 leading Ukrainian universities studying urban planning, transport infrastructure, architecture, engineering, security, economics and related disciplines. The program is designed to equip participants with practical experience and leadership skills for managing reconstruction projects.
Opening the program, SARDI Head Serhii Sukhomlyn encouraged participants to use the internship to define their future careers and contribute to Ukraine’s recovery.
“Regardless of where your career takes you afterward — in the private sector, public service, local government or international organizations — this experience will be valuable. Perhaps it is here that you will discover how you can make the greatest contribution to Ukraine,” Sukhomlyn said.
Taras Sluchyk, Acting Head of EU4Reconstruction (Stream 2) on behalf of Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said recovery is about creating better communities rather than simply rebuilding damaged infrastructure.
“Recovery is not only about buildings. It is about creating schools, communities and infrastructure that reflect a new reality. Without young people’s ideas, energy and readiness to find new solutions, it is impossible to build a new Ukraine,” he said.
The program consists of a three-day boot camp, where participants meet SARDI leadership, visit reconstruction sites and complete practical assignments, followed by a two-month internship in the Agency’s headquarters or regional restoration offices.
Participants also met with SARDI Deputy Heads Roman Komendant and Ivan Lukeria, who outlined the Agency’s priorities and discussed the role of young professionals in Ukraine’s reconstruction.
According to Bohdana Yaremchuk, HR Policy Advisor to the Head of SARDI, the initiative is designed as a long-term talent pipeline rather than a traditional internship.
“This is an investment in the next generation of people who will rebuild Ukraine. We are looking for motivated people who want to become part of that change,” she said.