Al Karadah, Iraqis welcome opening of civil support district training center

Photo By Sgt. Maj. Alejandro Licea | Mohammed Al Rubeiy, Karrada District council chief, and other administrators cut a ribbon during the opening of the Civil Support District Training Center, Dec. 30, 2008, in the Al Karradah District of eastern Baghdad. Upon graduation, potential job seekers have the skills needed to become successful employees in the workforce.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

12.30.2008

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Alejandro Licea 

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division

By Staff Sgt. Alex Licea
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq – District leaders, administrators and hundreds of students attended the reopening of the Civil Support District Training Center in the Al Karadah District of eastern Baghdad, Dec. 30, 2008.

Paratroopers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, were also in attendance to assist in security measures and meet the center's administrators in a show of partnership.

The center teaches students vocational skills, offering courses in road repair, generator repair, plumbing, electrical installation, sanitation and landscaping. Renovations took approximately six months to complete.

More than 550 students are currently enrolled at the center. Students must complete a six-month training course in their desired career paths and pass a final written examination in order to graduate.

Senior district leaders said they hope the graduates will find work in their local neighborhoods. After the students complete the six-month course, it is important they find jobs in the district they live in, said Mohammed Al Rubeiy, Karadah District council chief.

"We need to ensure that these students study hard, and we need to help them get jobs in their chosen department," said Al Rubeiy.

Classes range in size from 10 to 100 students and include lectures and hands-on practical exercises. The instructors are all subject-matter experts and mentor students to make them successful members of the workforce.

"I teach students about generator engines and how to keep them working properly," said Hamed, a generator maintenance teacher. "I also provide them the specific skills of the job in order for them to succeed and guide them to a better future."

Hazim, 27, is a plumbing student who is looking forward to a new life his education will provide.

"I have no job, and I'm looking for work experience in order to build a better future for myself," he said "If I listen to my professors and study hard, I know the future is looking good for me."

Much like the students, the center is also looking forward to future growth. Classes for women are scheduled to begin later this year.

• Date Taken: 12.30.2008
• Date Posted: 01.04.2009 08:59
• Story ID: 28424
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ