Iraq – Swedish Transport Academy Inaugurated

Engine manufacturer Scania cooperates in setting up Iraq mechanical occupational skills training facility for young unemployed in Erbil, North Iraq

Sweden’s Minister for Trade, Ewa Björling and ministers of the Kurdistan Regional Government today inaugurated the Swedish Transport Academy in Erbil, northern Iraq. The training is targeted at young unemployed Iraqis with a secondary school background and offers occupational skills demanded in the transport sector. The establishment of the school is the result of close cooperation between Scania, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the United Nations, EF Education First and the Kurdish Regional Government’s Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.

The Swedish Transport Academy opened in early April, when almost one hundred young Iraqis commenced their training in three different courses – information technology (IT), English and basic mechanics. Later this year, the Academy plans to expand its activities to include courses in advanced mechanics, driver training and also in sales and marketing.

“The school will serve as an important base for recruitment of the employees needed for the continued expansion of our service and sales units in the country,” says Gustaf Sundell, who is Scania’s Country Manager for Iraq.

Scania is contributing certified teachers and equipment for the training of service technicians, while EF Education First will be providing free access to their online English language school.