The National Qualifications Agency has approved the professional standard "Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operator (Deminer)". The Ministry of Economy of Ukraine initiated the development of the standard, and Sheriff-Demining LLC, in close cooperation with the Ministry's specialists, prepared the text of the standard, considering the proposals of key stakeholders in the sector.

"Until now, we did not have a professional standard for a deminer. Operators were forced to independently train specialists for humanitarian demining according to their developed programs. The presence of a professional standard that meets international requirements (IMAS - International Mine Action Standards) creates unified rules for everyone and significantly expands the opportunities for the deminers’ training. The approved standard will allow, among other things, the involvement of veterans in humanitarian demining, who will be able to work in Ukrainian and international mine action operators after training," said Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine Igor Bezkaravainyi.

After the standard's approval, several measures will be taken to introduce the new profession into the legal field: assigning a code, and streamlining wages. Also, based on the professional standard, a respective educational standard will be developed. This will enable certified deminers to be recognised at the same level as other professions once they obtain accreditation from the Ministry of Education and Science.

The approved professional standard, which meets the requirements of IMAS, will allow specialists with an international certificate to confirm their qualifications in Ukraine. It also means that Ukrainian deminers who will be trained according to the new standard will also be able to work in international companies without having to start training from the very beginning.

"People with disabilities, including those with amputations, can work as deminers in non-technical surveys of the territories using drones and other equipment. This opens up long-term prospects for working in this field. There are many opportunities to work as a deminer in Ukraine, and it is important that veterans can use their skills in civilian life. Special thanks to the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine for the initiative to develop a professional standard for a deminer and the National Qualifications Agency for understanding the need for such a standard, prompt paperwork and comprehensive support," said Yevhenii Antipenko, CEO of Sheriff-Demining LLC.

The developed standard includes 5 levels of training. The acquired basic level will allow a specialist to be involved in non-technical surveys, while the next level - the ability to conduct technical surveys. Beyond that, the training progresses to the clearance of areas, buildings etc.

It is worth mentioning that the issue of humanitarian demining is overseen by the First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine - Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko. The Ministry of Economy of Ukraine ensures the interaction of central executive authorities in the mine action field, particularly in the area of humanitarian demining.