VTC Short-Course Development with Internships for Refugee, IDP and Host Communities
The main priority of this project is to improve the link between the Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) and the private sector, while maintaining and enhancing social cohesion between refugee, IDP and host community populations in Kurdistan-Iraq. In addition, the project seeks to shift the mindset of both trainers and trainees towards being more client-oriented and responsive to the needs of the local private sector.
The project focuses on building networks between VTCs and private sector actors, both through direct cooperation with companies and by liaising with private sector representative bodies.
Short courses proposed within the project include internships in local companies to reinforce the connection between training and real labour market demands, making the training more relevant for both trainees and employers.
This project builds on the courses and labour market analyses developed under the vocational training partnership programme “PISHE”, which was also implemented with contributions from Dorsch Impact.
The project will be implemented in the governorates of Erbil and Duhok, specifically in the VTCs located in Zakho, Duhok and Soran. The potential sectors of engagement have been defined in consultation with MoLSA.
Special attention will be given to gender awareness and mainstreaming in enrolment, curriculum development and internship placement.
Disciplines
- Skills and Economic Development
Companies
Dorsch Impact GmbH
Client
Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSA) / Financed by Nuffic
Duration
From 2020 to 2022
Location
Kurdistan, Erbil and Duhok regions , Iraq
Project Activities
At the beginning of the project, both a training needs analysis and a labour market analysis will be conducted to determine companies’ needs and the most relevant training topics. This simultaneous approach ensures responsiveness to current labour market demands and aims to offer students more valuable employment opportunities. The following activities took place:
Inception phase
Kick-off
Labour market analysis
Definition of short-course topics
Training needs analysis
Selection of companies for internships
Selection and profiling of trainers
Training phase
Short-course development
Definition of necessary equipment for practical training
Development of 6 to 10 short courses
Development of an optional course for selected graduates on starting a business
Capacity strengthening: training teachers in competence-based education and training (CBET) and didactics
Training teachers in soft skills
Training teachers in short-course development
Training teachers in job coaching
Testing phase
Coaching of VTC teachers
Coaching of private sector staff during internships
Development of a policy and/or business plan for the alumni organisation, including long-term monitoring and coaching of graduates
Closing phase
Tracing students during and after employment
Dissemination: organisation of a closing seminar with teachers, the private sector, MoLSA and project partners, and publication of results
The project focused on improving the quality of education and the labour market relevance of training provided at VTCs in the Kurdistan Region. The teaching staff of three VTCs were trained in the concept of internships and supervision skills, and five short-term courses were adjusted.
Contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
We are committed to making a positive impact and supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This project contributes to the following SDGs:
Companies
