Trade training school graduates 22 students
ISAF: KABUL, Afghanistan – Twenty-two students became the newest members of the Uruzgan workforce following a graduation ceremony at the Provincial Reconstruction Team’s Trade Training School recently.
“What’s going to happen next is they’ll go back to their families, but we’ve introduced them to the contractors in the local area,” said Capt. Ryan Orders of coalition forces. “This will give them an opportunity to establish a connection with the construction industry. Those who are interested, I’m confident will be able to secure jobs.”
They’re also literally handed the tools for success upon receiving their diplomas, as each student is given a bag full of the most common tools they can expect to use on the typical construction site, where they’ll continue to learn. This serves multiple purposes; students continue their trade education, local contractors have a supply of skilled workers, and graduates can have a job opportunity.
“It gives the students an immediate opportunity for employment, which is a major concern in the area for the young people,” Orders said. “It also helps the construction industry, which is very important in Uruzgan.”
Ismatullah Ismat, a recent graduate of the school, said he came to improve his carpentry skills, but ended up learning a lot more.
“I really like the carpentry,” Ismat said. “I’m going to keep going with carpentry. I’ll do some work in town or on base, and work with contractors in roofing or carpentry.”
Ismat was a carpenter before arriving at the school, but had been out of work for a few months. He spoke with some of the instructors at the school, and he decided to enroll at their urging.
In addition to teaching students trade skills, the school also maintains contacts with many of the local construction companies and contracting firms. Each time a class graduates there are typically three or four contractors who participate in the ceremony and stay to talk with the graduates afterward. Mohammad Akbar, who works with a local construction company, said that the trade school is a good source of workers.
“It gives the students an immediate opportunity for employment, which is a major concern in the area for the young people,” Orders said. “It also helps the construction industry, which is very important in Uruzgan.”
Ismatullah Ismat, a recent graduate of the school, said he came to improve his carpentry skills, but ended up learning a lot more.
“I really like the carpentry,” Ismat said. “I’m going to keep going with carpentry. I’ll do some work in town or on base, and work with contractors in roofing or carpentry.”
Ismat was a carpenter before arriving at the school, but had been out of work for a few months. He spoke with some of the instructors at the school, and he decided to enroll at their urging.
In addition to teaching students trade skills, the school also maintains contacts with many of the local construction companies and contracting firms. Each time a class graduates there are typically three or four contractors who participate in the ceremony and stay to talk with the graduates afterward. Mohammad Akbar, who works with a local construction company, said that the trade school is a good source of workers.
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