The workshop has been successful completed, it is the world’s first workshop on “Communication with the Private Sector: Skills and Strategies,” held in Erbil from 17–20 November 2025. This pioneering workshop was designed in direct response to the training needs assessment and consultation sessions conducted in July 2025, which highlighted the urgent need for stronger communication and partnership-building capacities within Iraq’s TVET sector. The 25 participants represented the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and three of Iraq’s leading technical universities, Northern Technical University, Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, and Middle Technical University, alongside representatives from Vocational Training Centers in Baghdad, Ninawa, Najaf Al-Ashraf, and Basrah. The workshop concluded in a full day of hands-on practice with seven private companies, who attended the entire fourth day to engage directly with participants in real communication and partnership-building simulations. Through this innovative and practical format, the workshop marked a transformative step forward in strengthening TVET - private sector collaboration across Iraq and the wider region. The 4-day workshop facilitated by Dr. Qasem Alnewashi.

Day 1: Essential communication skills with employers, persuasion skills, and common communication mistakes when dealing with employers (including case study analysis)

Day 2: Relationship management with the private sector: trust-building, follow-up, and sustaining engagement

Day 3: Professional presentation skills, using AI tools in employer engagement, identifying challenges in TVET - private sector communication and proposing solutions, designing a successful partnership with employers, and developing a strategic communication plan.

Day 4: Practical application with real companies.