The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has expanded vocational training programs to equip young people with market-ready skills and help them enter the private sector. These courses, supervised by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, focus on turning unemployed youth into independent entrepreneurs by addressing specific skills gaps in the local economy.
Therefore, the KRG designs the expanded vocational training programs curriculum based on detailed labor market studies, rather than routine scheduling. Officials say this approach ensures that participants learn skills in high demand, increasing their chances of employment or self-employment.
Additionally, Dilawar Anwar, Director of the Vocational Training Course Center in Erbil, explained that the courses operate through two main channels. Some training is fully funded by the KRG, reflecting the government’s commitment to workforce development. Other programs coordinate with international organizations, including the United Nations and NGOs. These collaborations target various groups, including unemployed youth, displaced persons, and low-income families, aiming to provide sustainable livelihoods.
The program has already shown results. Abdullah Mohammed, 34, faced long-term unemployment before joining a course on installing surveillance cameras. “I learned the trade in about 45 days,” he said. After completing the training, Mohammed launched his own business. He has since trained four to five friends, who now run their own operations and employ others, demonstrating the program’s multiplier effect.
In 2024, 276 people enrolled in KRG vocational courses. Of these, 168 were male. The second half of the year saw a surge in female participation: out of 97 participants, 80 were women. Officials say this trend shows growing interest among women in vocational opportunities.
The KRG emphasizes that these programs create a skilled workforce capable of navigating the free market. By teaching practical trades—from technical installations to other market-relevant skills—the government encourages self-reliance. Young people gain the tools to start their own businesses, reduce unemployment, and contribute to the region’s economic growth.
