In a significant move to align the skills of graduates with the demands of the job market, the Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) ninth cabinet is actively working towards enhancing vocational education, announced KRG Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Aram Qadir, during a symposium in Erbil.

Minister Qadir highlighted the international efforts undertaken by the KRG ninth cabinet to bolster vocational education, with the ultimate goal of reducing dependence on foreign workforce. He emphasized the need to bridge the gap between the skills possessed by fresh graduates and the essential skills required by the current job market.

As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research is in the process of organizing a conference dedicated to launching a comprehensive reform in the higher education sector. The primary objective is to synchronize the expectations of the workforce market with the educational content provided to students.

Market leaders have previously expressed concerns about the mismatch between the skills of recent graduates and the requirements of the job market. This has prompted calls for closer cooperation between educational institutions and industry stakeholders to address this disparity.

To create more employment opportunities for the local workforce and decrease reliance on foreign workers, the KRG is intensifying its efforts to strengthen the education sector. The aim is to equip graduates with the essential skills needed to thrive in the job market.

Annually, thousands of graduates seek employment in the Kurdistan Region market, which has historically been open to foreign workers from the US, Europe, and regional countries. The KRG's focus on vocational education is intended to provide graduates with occupationally oriented qualifications that align with the needs of both national authorities and the labor market, as defined by UNESCO.

The KRG's commitment to reforming higher education and enhancing vocational training reflects a proactive approach to address the evolving needs of the job market and promote self-sufficiency in the region.