MEED Foundation and Kurdistan Technical Institute Discuss Labor Market Needs and Skills Development

Date : 27 - Aug - 2026

SULAIMANI — On August 26, Mr. Amanj Yarwaisi, Executive Director of the MEED Foundation, visited the Kurdistan Technical Institute (KTI) to explore collaboration opportunities under the "Education to Employment" (E2E) program.

The meeting focused on bridging the gap between higher education and the labor market, advancing Vocational Education and Training (VET), and formulating actionable solutions to address the skills mismatch between graduates and employers across the Kurdistan Region.

The visiting delegation was received by Dr. Rebwar Malla Nabi, Dean of KTI; Dr. Rebaz Malla Nabi, Director of Quality Assurance; Mr. Ramyar A. Taymur, Director of the Career Development Center (CDC); and Mr. Ramyar Mohammed, Head of the Medical Laboratory Department.

During the meeting, KTI leadership presented an overview of the institute\\\\\\'s academic departments, technical curricula, and vocational training initiatives. Discussions highlighted KTI‌s emphasis on practical education designed to equip students with hands-on technical and professional skills, facilitating a seamless transition from academia into the workforce.

A major portion of the discussion was dedicated to current challenges facing higher education in the region, particularly the widening gap between traditional academic outputs and employer demands in an era driven by digital transformation, automation, and rapid technological shifts. Both sides emphasized that strengthening VET programs, increasing internship hours, and involving employers in curriculum design are essential to tackling workforce readiness challenges.

Mr. Amanj Yarwaisi commended KTI‌s efforts, stating:

"The Kurdistan Technical Institute possesses valuable experience in aligning technical education with actual workforce demands. By reinforcing collaboration between educational institutions and employers, we can create scalable solutions that better prepare graduates to seize opportunities and meet modern labor market needs."

Kurdistan Technical Institute is an active member of the E2E Task Force, an initiative established by the MEED Foundation under the auspices of Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani. The E2E initiative seeks to unite academia, the private sector, and policymakers to build an agile, market-responsive educational ecosystem that directly supports sustainable economic development in the Kurdistan Region.

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