Lincoln Manufacturing Council’s manufacturing industry classes for Ukrainian refugees, graduation celebration took place Tuesday night
LINCOLN, Nebraska – Since months, Ukrainian refugees have traveled to Lincoln to begin a new life.
Part of this new life includes reentering the workforce, and a program given by the Lincoln Manufacturing Council is designed to help individuals gain employment in the manufacturing business.
The class, which celebrated its graduation on Tuesday evening, was offered and designed for Ukrainian refugees, as well as taught in their original tongue.
Tuesday evening concluded with certificates, photographs, and a career fair showing organizations in the region that offer this type of work. Just a few months after arriving in the United States, the group celebrated their graduation.
Many are also still learning English and spoke through an interpreter with 10/11 Now.
Alla Polischuk arrived in the United States only a few months ago, and with the aid of the interpreter, she explained her motivation for enrolling in the course. She want her own job and duties in an industrial setting, as she has a strong drive to work and contribute to society.
This training was divided into six weeks of three-hour courses, during which the participants studied soft skills, analyzed site plans, and created resumes. Those involved held comparable positions in Ukraine.
“These individuals come from a wide variety of backgrounds we have some business owners, we have some that worked in manufacturing with professional certification, but now that they are starting over they need to find stability and a good paying job and benefits and this is gonna do that,” said Chloe Higgins with the Lincoln Partner for Economic Development.
Many of those who completed the course stated that their stay in the United States has thus far been calm and that they are delighted to call Lincoln home, but that it is still necessary to have a network of Ukrainians for the cultural aspect.
Ivanna Kovalchuk stated through the interpreter that her dream was to travel to the United States prior to the outbreak of the war, and now that she is here, she intends to remain.
Currently, it is unknown how many Ukrainians reside in Lincoln, but according to those present at the event, many are still in the process of relocating, and some have left loved ones behind, such as Alla, who explained through an interpreter that her husband and two sons are fighting on the frontlines in Ukraine.
Tuesday’s commencement coincided with Ukraine’s Flag Day, and Wednesday is Ukraine’s Independence Day, which they felt is much more significant now.
