From 4 to 6 November 2025, the International Labour Organization (ILO) organized a specialized training program designed to strengthen the capabilities of employment and professional development counselors in supporting job seekers. The program brought together experts from university career development centers, as well as representatives from the Ministries of Labor, Social Affairs, and vocational training institutions across Erbil, Sulaimani, Duhok, Halabja, and Nineveh.
Representing Salahaddin University, Ms. Niyaz Najm Salih, Coordinator of the Center and Lecturer in the College of Engineering, and Ms. Alaa Salah Asad, Professional Expert at the Center and Lecturer in the College of Administration and Economics, actively participated in the training. As part of the group activities, Ms. Niyaz delivered an opening contribution on behalf of the participating centers, outlining their mission, services, and strategic role within universities.
Throughout the three-day intensive training, participants engaged in a wide range of topics, including global labor market dynamics, the impact of crises on employment, unemployment trends, and work-leaving patterns. The program also explored the core functions of employment counseling, including counselor responsibilities, required competencies, and adapting services for diverse job seekers.
Additional modules covered career exploration, targeted job search strategies, employer engagement principles, partnership development, and expectations of the private sector. Participants also received practical training on employment counseling tools, job search platforms, digital CV development, and best practices for guiding students and graduates. The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs’ job portal was also introduced as a key resource.
The program concluded with a set of joint recommendations aimed at enhancing the overall ecosystem for students, graduates, job seekers, and entrepreneurs in the Kurdistan Region. Certificates of completion were awarded to all participants, marking the successful end of the training.
