SUCCESS STORY: Dmytro, 41 — Veteran
Case Study of the BLOOM Program
Dmytro is 41 years old. After returning from the front, he faced a difficult challenge — finding his
place again in civilian life. Before his military service, Dmytro had extensive practical experience in
construction: he worked in interior finishing, installation, and with various materials. At the same
time, he understood that the industry was rapidly changing and required new knowledge.
“I have experience, but that’s no longer enough. Construction today also means technology,
calculations, and digital design,”— explains Dmytro.
Thinking about starting his own business, he realized that to remain competitive in the modern
market, he needed to master new technologies. Dmytro enrolled in the course “Building the Future:
Innovative Construction for a New Ukraine” under the BLOOM Program (Building Livelihoods and
Opportunities for Optimised Markets). Returning to studies was a new challenge, but military
discipline and responsibility helped him quickly adapt to the learning process.
Within the program, implemented by a consortium including Swisscontact, Mercy Corps,
International Rescue Committee (IRC), and Right to Protection (R2P) together with local partners
GERZ Construction Association LLC and the Educational Alliance for Ukraine (EAUA), Dmytro
mastered modern digital design tools. He began working with 3D models, learning material
calculations, energy efficiency analysis, and contemporary approaches to construction planning.
Teachers noted his persistence, practical mindset, and ability to combine previous experience with
new technologies. Soon, Dmytro received an offer to teach construction disciplines at the Mykolaiv
Vocational Machine-Building Lyceum. At the same time, he began receiving job offers from
construction companies interested in specialists with both practical experience and knowledge of
modern technologies.
Today, Dmytro is preparing for teaching, planning to pass on knowledge to young people while also
developing his own business. His goal is to work in the field of reconstruction and contribute to
shaping a new generation of builders.
“At war, you clearly know why you wake up. In civilian life, you have to find that answer yourself.
Now I already know what I want. I want my children to live in a country that we rebuild wisely and
professionally,” — says Dmytro, veteran, father of three, and program participant.
Dmitry demonstrates a construction model
Dmytro (left) in the learning space
Dmitry after receiving the certificate