Modernization of Rivne Vocational College of Restaurant and Hotel Business
Expansion and modernisation of a hospitality-focused vocational college in Rivne, Ukraine, under EU4Skills. The project added a new academic building with specialized food technology laboratories and a training hotel, and equipped the college with modern facilities to enhance practical learning in the restaurant and hotel management fields.
Project overview
This project upgraded the Rivne Vocational College of Restaurant and Hotel Business, creating a modern learning environment for hospitality and food industry professions. Implemented under the EU4Skills program and funded by the European Union, it involved constructing a new wing for the college and outfitting it with cutting-edge training facilities. UNOWA contributed as a key implementation partner by supplying advanced equipment for the college’s new laboratories and training spaces. The European Union invested over €2 million in renovating and expanding the campus (increasing the college’s facilities by 40% in area), and approximately €334,000 was allocated for state-of-the-art training equipment and furnishings. The result is a significantly enhanced educational infrastructure: the college now features modern laboratories for milk processing, food technology, and brewing, as well as a fully functional training hotel with nine guest rooms to simulate real hotel operations. These improvements have not only upgraded the physical infrastructure but also enabled the college to introduce new educational programs and increase its student enrollment capacity.
Key results
Investment in new infrastructure (construction of a new building, modern labs, training facilities) by the EU.
Spent on modern training equipment and furnishings for classrooms, kitchens, and labs.
Expansion of the college’s facilities in total floor area, providing significantly more training space.
new programs – Introduction of two new vocational specializations: Food Products Brewer and Hotel Service Specialist, addressing emerging industry needs.
students – Increase in training capacity, with the college now licensed to enroll 240 students in its upgraded programs.
Project details
- High-tech equipment deployment: As part of the EU4Skills initiative, UNOWA equipped the Rivne college with cutting-edge educational technology and machinery. This college was one of eight VET institutions across seven regions modernised under the project. UNOWA’s role encompassed procuring and delivering specialized equipment for the newly built laboratories (e.g. dairy processing, brewing technology) and the training hotel, ensuring each space is furnished to function like a real-world facility.
- State-of-the-art hospitality training facilities: UNOWA supplied professional-grade appliances and tools for the college’s food technology labs – including equipment for dairy processing and brewing – as well as modern kitchen and restaurant apparatus for a on-campus training restaurant. Additionally, the project outfitted a training hotel within the college, where UNOWA provided hotel-room furnishings and management systems, creating a nine-room instructional hotel environment for students. This hands-on setup allows trainees to practice hotel operations and customer service in a realistic setting.
- Integrated digital and STEM tools: Alongside industry-specific gear, UNOWA delivered computing and multimedia equipment to digitize learning processes, and science/technology kits to support STEM-oriented curricula. Classrooms were upgraded with modern IT infrastructure, and workshop spaces received necessary tools and safety equipment. By integrating digital tools and updated technology, the college can offer an innovative learning experience aligned with current educational standards.
- Modern learning environment: The new facilities have transformed the Rivne college into a showcase of modern vocational education. Students now train in specialized labs and practice businesses (such as an operational mini-hotel and a training restaurant) that mirror real workplace conditions. This immersive environment enables students to gain practical experience in food production and hospitality management, bridging the gap between school and industry.
- Workforce relevance and new career paths: The modernisation directly responded to labor market needs by enabling new educational programs. Thanks to the improved infrastructure, the college launched two entirely new specializations – brewing technology and hotel service – which were previously unavailable in the region. Graduates in these fields will help meet the demand for skilled workers in Ukraine’s food and hospitality sectors. The college’s capacity to train 240 students, including adults seeking new skills, contributes to building a skilled workforce for the local economy.
- Strengthened industry collaboration: With its upgraded capabilities, the college has expanded partnerships with local businesses. Modern equipment and training standards attract collaboration with employers (in fact, the college’s partner network grew by 9 companies after the upgrade), leading to opportunities like internships, on-the-job training, and direct recruitment of graduates. This synergy between education and industry helps ensure that the curriculum remains aligned with real-world requirements and that students acquire competencies valued by employers.
- Resilience and European-quality standards: The investment elevates the college to European-quality standards, contributing to a resilient vocational education system in Ukraine’s post-conflict recovery context. Modern infrastructure – from energy-efficient buildings to accessible, well-equipped classrooms – provides a safe and forward-looking learning space. By adopting EU best practices in vocational training (through modern equipment, updated curricula, and emphasis on practical skills), the project supports Ukraine’s integration into the European educational landscape. This modernised college will continue to serve as a model for vocational schools nationwide, demonstrating how international support and local implementation can revitalize education to empower youth and bolster economic growth in the region.
Project partners
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