Baghdad vocational training program graduates its eighth batch

Baghdad - INA

Baghdad witnessed, today, Saturday, the graduation of the eighth batch of the technical vocational training program for youth in automobiles, which was held by Toyota Iraq in partnership with the United Nations Development Program.

The Japanese Ambassador to Iraq, Futoshi Matsumoto, said in a speech during the ceremony of the technical vocational training program for youth in automobiles, which was attended by the correspondent of the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "Today we celebrate with you the graduation of the eighth batch of trainees in the program provided by the Japanese Toyota Company to develop youth technically and technologically, and we thank the Iraqi government and the United Nations Development Program for the support.".

The ambassador added: "The training provided by the Japanese company came in light of the increasing local demand for Japanese training and information to support the development of the capabilities of Iraqi youth towards advanced levels." 

The Japanese ambassador wished all trainees continued success in obtaining better jobs and positions in modern Iraqi companies, stressing that "Toyota Iraq can cooperate to work with them shortly."

For his part, the Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Program, Sasha Grohman, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "Today we celebrate this large group of graduates from the Automotive Technicians Program, and this initiative is part of promoting progress and development, and it comes in partnership between the United Nations Development Program and Toyota Iraq." 

He added that "since the beginning of the partnership with Toyota, there has been a great effort to empower young people and support professional skills, and this has a great impact on the lives of individuals and their communities," indicating that "this opportunity for young people is to transform their hopes into achievements on the ground." 

Grohman confirmed that "the initiative reached 7,000 people, who have been employed and provided with opportunities," stressing that "we are committed to developing the skills of young people and women everywhere, and that Our vision is aligned with Iraq’s Vision 2030 for a sustainable and inclusive future, and we work together to support innovation and create job opportunities.”

In turn, the President of Toyota Iraq, Sardar Al-Bebany, said in an interview with the Iraqi News Agency (INA): “We thank everyone who contributed to achieving this success and supporting Iraqi youth. We believe in the transformative power of education and training, especially for the youth who represent the future of Iraq.”

He stressed that “this vocational training program is not only to develop technical skills but also to enable Iraqi youth to build a better future for themselves and contribute to the growth of Iraq’s economy.”
Al-Bebany continued: “We are fully committed to supporting the next generation of professionals in the automotive industry and fostering a skilled workforce that will lead Iraq’s development in the coming years.”

He pointed out that “this initiative is part of the Building Resilience through Employment Enhancement (BREPI) project, which reached a total of 10,731 trainees in October 2024 in Anbar, Nineveh, Kirkuk, Diyala, and Salah al-Din governorates, highlighting the significant impact of vocational training in enhancing recovery and resilience in Iraq.”

He explained that “this partnership is an important step towards achieving Iraq’s 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals by improving employability, promoting inclusive economic growth, and supporting the effective participation of youth, women, and persons with disabilities in the development process.”