Spatial Planning for a Developed Vocational Training System in the Kurdistan Region With Special Focus on Duhok Governorate

Abstract

The principal purpose of the study is to explore and conduct a study into the Kurdistan Vocational Training system. The research has taken Duhok as a case study to explore the nature and extent of the vocational training provided by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (MOLSA). The researcher used a triangularization methodology to conduct that study. The method implied a Content analysis and also used the Qualitative interview tool. The study's quantitative part consisted of a structured questionnaire. The findings of the survey were analyzed by entering data into the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) program in a multivariable analysis. The findings of this research were taken from both a literature review and exploring the practical field work while studying the current status of Duhok Vocational Training Centre. Though the Iraqi Labor Law contains a general description on labor and vocational training, the Vocational Training Centre system is administered and directed centrally. This centralization has had a negative impact on outcome and achievements. It was also discovered that a very important department was lacking in the administration, namely a curriculum department. It was found that the Duhok Vocational Training Center (VTC) building does not adhere to the international standards of a modern training center and was not fit for purpose with regard to the learning environment. The training courses provided by the Duhok VTC were only to cover the very basic needs inthe market. The equipment provided and the use of technology at the training center was not supplied in keeping with the current market demands. There is a serious need for developing the educational system in a way to encourage vocational training and develop skills. It was discovered that here was no coordination between the Ministry of Education and MOLSA. There was no real coordination between the Ministry of Education, MOLSA and the local market. It was shown from the statistical data that the VTC beneficiaries were mainly females. There was a huge market demand on certain courses. Moreover, there were other important matters which appeared to have no clear cut plan for the VTC on a National level and on Regional level. There was no comprehensive vision for MOLSA to reorganize the whole vocational training system (legally, administratively, technically and financially) to determine the priority of this sector and its role in the socio-economic development of the region.