Baghdad, Iraq, 16 November 2024. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Toyota Iraq are proud to announce the successful completion of the Automotive Technician Program, a vocational training initiative, generously funded by the Government of Germany through KfW, aimed at empowering youth in Baghdad.

From August to November 2024, 19 young trainees participated in a comprehensive three-month training course. The programme offered a blended approach of classroom instruction and on-the-job training at Toyota dealerships in Baghdad and Alkut in Wassit, building the trainees capacity with essential skills needed in the automotive industry.

The training covered essential skills including basic vehicle maintenance, repair techniques, and the principles of workmanship and safety in automotive service. Graduates of the programme now have recognized qualifications that significantly increase their employability within the automotive sector and beyond.

"We are proud to witness the success of this initiative, which reflects our commitment to supporting Iraq’s youth and fostering resilience in communities affected by conflict," said Sascha Graumann, Deputy Resident Representative, "This partnership with Toyota Iraq is an excellent example of how collaboration between the public and private sectors can create sustainable opportunities for vulnerable populations."

Tadashi Tanimoto, CEO of Toyota Iraq. " At Toyota Iraq, we believe in the transformative power of education and training, particularly for young people who represent the future of Iraq.

This vocational training programme is not just about developing technical skills; it’s about empowering young Iraqis to build better futures for themselves and contribute to the growth of Iraq’s economy. We are deeply committed to supporting the next generation of automotive professionals and fostering a skilled workforce that will drive Iraq's development for years to come.”

This initiative is part of the Building Resilience Through Employment Promotion (BREP I) project, which as of October 2024 has reached a total of 10,731 trainees across Anbar, Ninewa, Kirkuk, Diyala, and Salahadine, demonstrating the significant impact of vocational training in promoting recovery and resilience in Iraq.

This collaboration marks an important step towards achieving Iraq's 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals by improving employability, promoting inclusive economic growth, and supporting the active engagement of youth, women, and people with disabilities in the development process.