The National Qualifications Agency has approved the professional standard "Operator for the Detection of Explosive Objects (Deminer)," developed by Sheriff Demining LLC in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy and considering suggestions from key sector stakeholders, according to the ministry's press service.

"Until now, we did not have a professional standard for deminers. Operators had to independently train specialists for humanitarian demining using their own developed programs. Having a professional standard that meets international requirements (IMAS – International Mine Action Standards) creates uniform rules for everyone and significantly expands training opportunities for deminers. This will allow veterans to be involved in humanitarian demining, who, after training, will be able to work with both Ukrainian and international demining operators," said Deputy Minister of Economy Ihor Bezkravainy.

The Ministry of Economy said that following the approval of the standard, several measures will be taken to introduce the new profession into the legal framework: assigning a code and streamlining wage payments. Based on the professional standard, a corresponding educational standard will also be developed. This will allow accredited graduates from the Ministry of Defense to qualify as certified deminers on par with other specialties.

The approved professional standard, meeting IMAS requirements, will enable specialists with international certification to confirm their qualifications in Ukraine. This also means that Ukrainian deminers who undergo training according to the new standard will be able to work in international companies without starting training from scratch, the ministry explained.

"People with disabilities, including those with amputations, can work as deminers in non-technical surveys of areas using drones and other equipment. This opens up long-term job prospects in this field. Ukraine offers many opportunities for deminers, and it is important that veterans can use their skills in peaceful life," said the director of Sheriff Demining LLC, Yevhen Antipenko.

The developed standard includes five training levels. The acquired basic level will allow the specialist to participate in non-technical surveys. The next levels will cover conducting technical surveys, demining territories, buildings, and more, summarized the Ministry of Economy.