Promoting work-based learning programmes for the host communities, Syrian refugees, and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Erbil, Duhok and Nineveh Governorates

To facilitate youth and women’s transition to decent employment, the ILO intends to support the implementation of quality work-based learning (WBL) in Erbil, Duhok, and Nineveh governorates, providing young host community and FDPs with market relevant competencies (technical/professional competencies as well the core skills for life and work) that improve their employability and facilitate their transition to decent jobs. 

These pilots are expected to contribute to the institutionalisation of quality work-based learning, complementing the following actions:

 Strengthening the capacities of key government and private sector stakeholders, 

 Drafting a national WBL/apprenticeship framework for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, 

 Assessing opportunities for public-private partnerships to integrate WBL into development and sectoral planning processes.

The overall objectives of this assignment are:

(a) Implement inclusive pilot initiatives on the work-based learning that facilitates youth transition into decent employment in Erbil, Duhok and Nineveh governorates.

(b) Build the capacity of MOLSA, DOLSA, vocational training directorates, vocational training centres, the chambers and enterprises partners in Erbil, Duhok and Nineveh governorates on designing, implementing, and/or participating in quality work-based learning programmes.

(c) Drafting Work-Based Learning (WBL)/apprenticeship frameworks for Iraq and Kurdistan Region.

(d) Assess Public-Private Partnership potential linkages to support the integration of work-based learning into national and subnational development and sectoral planning (through policies, projects and programmes).  

In line with the Quality Apprenticeship Recommendation, 2023, the quality of work-based learning will include the following elements, that will be reflected in an agreement signed by the enterprise and the learner:

 The learning is structured according to an agreed training plan / logbook that reflects established competency standards;

 Learners are aware of the occupational risks and hazards and adequately protected against them;

 Learners are adequately remunerated for their contribution to the production process, and benefit from accident and ill-health insurance;

 Learners benefit from off the job learning, they are assessed for the competencies they have gained that contribute to a recognised qualification.