Where We Work > Program List
English Language Investment and Training for Economic Success
COUNTRIES: Iraq
DURATION: 12/19/2021 - 07/31/2022
FUNDER: U.S. Embassy in Baghdad
CONTACT: [email protected]
DURATION: 12/19/2021 - 07/31/2022
FUNDER: U.S. Embassy in Baghdad
CONTACT: [email protected]
Program Description
The English Language Investment and Training for Economic Success (ELITES) virtual program helped Iraqi youth build the professional skills needed to gain private sector jobs.
ELITES brought together 100 Iraqi students for an innovative, one-year mentoring program focused on private sector employment training and entrepreneurship. The program featured highly engaging online content, individualized instruction and mentoring, private-sector work experience, and networking opportunities with private-sector business leaders and entrepreneurs. As a result, participants gained key employability and professional networking skills, as well as the ability to identify viable career options and, ultimately, gain meaningful private sector jobs.
Program Goals
- Basic English language training.
- Business English language training.
- Computer skills training. Topics included Microsoft Office, an introduction to the Internet of Things (IOT), and using WordPress to design personal websites, e-commerce websites, and forum websites.
- General management skills training. Topics included business administration, marketing, human resources, and finance, as well as important soft skills such as business communications, social skills, work planning, and problem-solving. The course included practical exercises to improve participants’ awareness of private-sector opportunities and success in the job search process.
- Job shadowing with professional mentoring. Participants engaged in a regional, real-work simulation event to practice applying their integrated skills and receive real-time feedback on their performance.
