ILO and employers’ organization strengthen partnership to boost vocational training in Syria

A new vocational training centre is set to enhance workers’ skills and promote safe work environments in Syria’s industrial sector.

30 June 2025

DAMASCUS (ILO News) - The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Damascus Chamber of Industry (DCI) inaugurated the Human and Vocational Resource Development Centre in the Adra Industrial City just south of the capital Damascus.

The opening ceremony was attended by key stakeholders, including ILO Country Coordinator for Syria Mohammed Anas Sabee, DCI Vice President Loay Nahlaoui, and Director of Adra Industrial City Asim Sariya. The centre marks a significant step in bolstering occupational safety and health standards across Syria’s industrial sectors.

A group waiting excitedly in front of a ribbon to open the Human and Vocational Resource Development Centre in Syria — ILO and DCI inaugurate the Human and Vocational Resource Development Centre to boost vocational training in Syria

Sabee emphasized the pride ILO takes in its partnership with DCI, highlighting the centre’s role in fostering employment opportunities and improving workplace conditions through specialized training programs. "This collaboration between DCI, ILO and Adra’s industrial management reflects our shared commitment to economic and social development," he stated.

The centre is expected to enhance worker participation in professional courses, upskill labour forces, and promote safer industrial environments.

A group of meeting participants at Damascus Chamber of Industry in Syria — The training centre fosters jobs and safer workplaces through vocational training

"This partnership serves a dual purpose: First, to foster safer and healthier workplace environments across the industrial zone, and second, to generate employment opportunities while incentivizing workers to enrol in professional vocational programmes," Sabee added.

Nahlaoui noted that the centre’s launch initiates a new phase of vocational training in the country, offering courses in electrical engineering, accounting, textiles, food processing, and chemical industries. The centre will help bridge the gap between labour market needs and workers’ skills.

Group of people in front of training centre in Syria — The training centre boosts skills and worker participation in Syria’s industrial sector

The centre, equipped with training facilities, has already launched its inaugural training on Occupational Health and Safety (OSH), equipping participants with best practices for workplace safety.

The training covered issues ranging from the importance of occupational health and safety and applying safety standards in facilities to classifications of workplace hazards and personal protective equipment (PPE), along with practical exercises for all modules.

The training course aimed to reduce occupational injuries, minimize financial losses resulting from accidents and injuries, enhance companies' compliance with standards and regulations, and create a more productive and efficient work environment. A second training on first aid was also recently concluded in the centre.

A man pointing to personal safety equipment durind a workshop with a group on occupational safety in Syria — The training centre holds a training course on OSH standards to reduce workplace injuries

ILO-DCI Collaboration Expands to Textile Sector Assessment

In a related development, ILO Employers’ Activities Senior Specialist for Arab States José Manuel Medina and ILO Syria Country Coordinator Sabee met with DCI President Mohammed Ayman Al-Molawi and textile industry representatives to discuss a comprehensive assessment of Syria’s textile sector. The initiative will evaluate production volumes, costs, sales and workforce needs through surveys, identifying challenges and opportunities to strengthen the industry.

A subsequent meeting between the DCI and ILO focused on drafting an industrial policy agenda to revive the Syrian manufacturing sector. Discussions highlighted the need to address financial and monetary policy challenges, export barriers, and labour shortages, particularly among Syrian returnees.

A woman and two men at a meeting at the Damascus Chamber of Industry — ILO and DCI seek to revive Syria's textile sector, tackling barriers to economic recovery

A group of meeting participants around a U-shaped table in Syria — ILO and DCI Board meet to assess challenges and opportunities, aiming to boost production and workforce development in Syria

"I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the Damascus Chamber of Industry for hosting the meeting. We have discussed numerous critical topics and established several key agendas and initiatives to be implemented. These efforts will focus on three vital objectives: Lifting sanctions on Syria, highlighting the crucial importance of Syria's industrial sector, and achieving economic recovery for the country," said Medina.