LocationsSupporting Youth Employability through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)
February 14, 2023
Ahmad is 31 years old from Qadi Askar in Aleppo. Ahmad does not remember much of his childhood and youth days, perhaps because he was exhausted by the war, loss of contact with his family and fear of their loss, and years of service.
“My family had to move out of Aleppo to Al Haffah village in rural Damascus. I was unable to visit them for four years. I was away while my mother was growing old, and my father was fatigued by the harsh living conditions. I lost many of my friends to the war and I was left empty-handed – no job or profession, anxious and in a dark place,” Ahmad explained.
Ahmad used to work as a computer maintenance technician before the war. He had experience in graphics and design software, including AutoCAD,3Dmax and Photoshop. His 10-year absence made Ahmad question his prospects of finding a job in this field of work.
“I spent two years searching for a good job. I worked in delivery, in factories, restaurants and mobile shops,” said Ahmad. “My responsibilities are increasing. I am married now and living with my father. I want my son to grow up with me being secure and with my own business and not be at the mercy of a manager who might let go of me at any point of time. I do not want to be a tired man looking for his daily wage,” he added.
Ahmad visited the Metal Centre within the vocational training complex in Aleppo during his search journey. He was interviewed by the manager who explained that the current training cycle was complete but would be contacted as soon as there was an opening.
Four months later, Ahmad was accepted at the Vocational Training Centre for Public Works. The TVET Centre was rehabilitated through a UNDP and UNHCR partnership with funds from the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and UNDP’s core resources. UNHCR supported the rehabilitation process while UNDP assessed, equipped and developed responsive curricula and capacities of staff.
The centre is equipping young women and men who have not completed their education with the skills needed to meet labour market demand. The vocational paths covered by the centre include carpentry, interior decoration, painting, rehabilitation works including water, electricity, sanitation, solar installations, welding, aluminium and drapery.
The centre’s first training cohort was launched during the second quarter of 2022. It targeted 80 people and created 36 emergency jobs in addition to the 14 trainers who benefited from ToT courses.
“I was happy to hear from the centre. I did not expect that the form I completed would lead to a place in the first cohort,” said Ahmad. “The director of the centre explained the different courses available, acknowledged my interest in electronic circuits, with specialization in solar power. Being at the centre gave me hope. Training halls, new equipment, spaces for hands-on training, and specialized trainers. I was in the right place”.
Ahmad and the team’s first training course was occupational safety and first aid. “The feeling of having someone telling you that your safety is first before work was indescribable. Every day was like a dream. We learned new skills and worked as part of a team. The trainers were attentive to our needs”. The centre provided both theoretical and practical skills that prepared the trainees for their job placements as part of the field training stage.
This approach gave Ahmad the confidence he needed in himself and his skills. He asked one of his mentors to help him find a job after training hours to gain real-life experience and learn how to deal with customers, all the while gain an income.
“I never dreamed I would reach this far,” said Ahmad. “Soon after, and under the supervision of their trainers, Ahmad and his fellow trainees started joining workshops and carrying out installation works at new properties. “The centre helped us secure job opportunities after training hours. They genuinely wanted us to succeed. I feel important and that I am giving back to my community and family”.
After years of despair, Ahmad now has an income which improved his livelihood. “The centre restored my confidence in others and in myself. I feel alive again. I earn enough to live with my wife and one year old son in a small house – as a family”.
