We invite entrants to Kherson State Maritime Academy to apply for participation in a trade union project that offers the opportunity to study in Lithuania with the support of the German trade union ver.di.
Ten cadets who enrol at Kherson State Maritime Academy (KSMA) based on complete general secondary education for full-time study will also have the opportunity to study simultaneously at Vilnius Tech LMA in Klaipėda, Lithuania — funded by ver.di. This is a unique opportunity to obtain two diplomas — Ukrainian and European — and make a confident step toward a maritime career.
Long-time partner of MTWTU, the German trade union ver.di, is financing this dual-education project, which was initiated and proposed by MTWTU. Together, we continue to create new opportunities for Ukrainian cadets.
Vereinte Dienstleistungsgewerkschaft (ver.di) is one of the largest trade unions in Germany, uniting workers from over 1,000 professions. Founded in 2001, it now has about 2 million members. Thanks to ver.di's support both in times of peace and throughout the war, MTWTU has been able to implement numerous projects to benefit Ukrainian seafarers and cadets.
The Marine Transport Workers' Trade Union of Ukraine (MTWTU) is a national sectoral trade union representing over 80,000 members, most of whom are Ukrainian seafarers. MTWTU defends the rights of maritime workers and creates new development opportunities for cadets — the next generation of Ukrainian seafarers.
Vilnius Tech Lithuanian Maritime Academy (LMA) is Lithuania's leading maritime educational institution, preparing highly qualified specialists for the international merchant fleet. Since 2022, the Academy has actively cooperated with MTWTU by implementing joint projects to benefit Ukrainian cadets.
Kherson State Maritime Academy (KSMA) is one of Ukraine's top centres for training maritime personnel, providing cadets with up-to-date knowledge and opening opportunities to international careers. Despite the many challenges the Academy has faced since the beginning of the war, it continues to update its training programs and works closely with MTWTU and different maritime organisations.
Who Can Apply? Key eligibility criteria include:
- High motivation and readiness to study actively at two educational institutions simultaneously
- English proficiency (B2 level)
- High score on the National Multi-subject Test (NMT)
- Age under 18 at the time of enrollment (for male applicants currently residing in Ukraine)
Applicants from preferential categories will be given certain priority. Additional advantages include German language knowledge and/or ties to Germany.
Each applicant must prepare a motivation letter in English and attach it to the application form (Google Form via the link below). After the initial review, candidates will be invited for individual interviews to finalise the selection.
If you meet the above criteria and are ready to take on the challenge, we invite you to apply using the following link:
https://forms.gle/ibfgsri3gBPEUDne9
This is not the first project of this kind initiated by MTWTU:
50 cadets completed their training in 2022–2023 and are now working on vessels under collective bargaining agreements with ITF-affiliated unions.
Another 20 cadets were enrolled and continue their studies in 2023 and 2024, successfully completing their practical training with the support of MTWTU and partners.
