In the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, a strategic government initiative is actively reshaping the local labor market by turning unemployment into entrepreneurial opportunities. Spearheaded by the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, a series of targeted vocational training courses are equipping young people with in-demand skills, paving a direct path from job-seeking to job creation and fostering a new generation of independent business owners.
From Job Seeker to Job Creator
The impact of these programs is powerfully illustrated by the story of Abdullah, a 44-year-old who spent years without a stable career. In 2024, he enrolled in a 45-day intensive training course on installing surveillance camera systems. Today, he is not just employed; he is a sought-after technician and an entrepreneur in Erbil.
“Before the course, I had no work. Now, I am self-employed and independent,” Abdullah shared. “I owe a lot to my instructor who helped me immensely. Not only do I have my own business, but I have also trained and hired five other young people to work with me.”
A Market-Driven Approach to Training
This initiative is more than just a routine government program; it’s a calculated strategy to build a resilient and skilled workforce. Organizers emphasize that the primary objective is to cultivate skilled professionals who can thrive in a competitive market.
Dilawar Anwar, Director of the Vocational Training Center in Erbil, explained that the curriculum is directly informed by market needs. “We conduct continuous studies of the labor market and, based on the results, we open courses that the market actually requires,” he stated. “These programs are implemented with government support and in coordination with UN organizations and NGOs, targeting low-income individuals, displaced persons, and returning migrants to ensure a dignified life for them.”
Measuring Impact and Fostering Inclusion
The program’s success is reflected in its growing participation rates. In 2024 alone, 276 individuals, including 168 young men, have benefited from a variety of courses. The latter half of the previous year saw 97 participants, with a notable and encouraging enrollment of 80 women, highlighting the initiative’s commitment to inclusivity. By empowering individuals like Abdullah, the Kurdistan Region is demonstrating that professional empowerment is a powerful solution to unemployment, turning citizens from opportunity seekers into opportunity creators.
About The Vocational Training Initiative
The Vocational Training Initiative is a program run by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Its core mission is to combat unemployment by providing citizens with practical, market-aligned skills. The initiative focuses on building a skilled workforce capable of self-reliance and entrepreneurship. It specifically targets youth, women, individuals with limited income, displaced persons, and returning migrants, offering them a pathway to economic independence through government-backed and internationally-supported training courses.
Source: Kurdistan24
