Experts see practical training as solution to Syrian graduates' experience gap

Recent graduates in Syria face a significant challenge in transitioning from university classrooms to the labor market, as some employers require practical experience that is difficult to acquire during years of study, highlighting the need to develop vocational training and qualification programs to enhance graduates' readiness.

For his part, Ayham Al-Bashir, Director of Training and Development at the Syrian Media Academy, emphasized the importance of practical training in converting theoretical knowledge into applicable professional skills, by implementing projects that simulate the actual work environment and involving employers in identifying required skills. He pointed out that the success of training is measured by its impact on trainees' efficiency and their ability to integrate into the labor market, not by the number of certificates they obtain.

For her part, Samah Shoura, a human resources consultant, stated that selecting new employees includes technical and personal skills, as well as the ability to communicate, work in teams, and solve problems, noting that the desire to learn and develop represents an important criterion when evaluating recent graduates. She pointed out that the probationary period allows for assessing the performance of new employees, with the necessity of adopting standards that measure the actual competence and potential of applicants.

Mohammed Saloum, a business administration graduate, added that requiring years of practical experience in job advertisements poses an obstacle for recent graduates, due to the difficulty of acquiring this experience during studies, especially among students who balance study and work. He stressed the need to provide subsidized training programs and update university curricula to align with labor market requirements.

In the same context, Damascus University discussed in March last year mechanisms to provide practical training opportunities for outstanding graduates in the private sector, while the Deir Ezzor governorate saw the launch of the "Creators of Tomorrow" project in August last year to empower university youth and qualify them.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)