SPARK launched Career Connect, a new initiative under the Networks of Change II (NOC II) programme, connecting young people in Chamchamal, Halabja, and Ranya with paid work experience and pathways into employment in the Kurdistan region of Iraq (KRI).

Launch events took place on 24, 25, and 31 May 2026 across the three cities, bringing together local authorities, universities, private sector companies, youth organisations, and participating interns. The final event in Ranya was attended by representatives of the Dutch Consulate General, Raparin University, the Raparin Investment Directorate, the Directorate of Youth and Sports, security authorities, and private sector partners, reflecting the breadth of institutional support behind the programme.

Career Connect sits within the broader NOC II programme, funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and implemented by SPARK. It contributes to NOC II’s objective of preventing violent extremism through youth economic inclusion, equipping young people with market-relevant skills, practical work experience, and direct connections to employers.

From Training to Employment

More than 1,000 young people from the three cities had previously completed vocational training delivered through NOC II youth hubs, building the professional competencies needed to enter the labour market. Following an open application call, 340 of those participants applied for internship placements. A selection committee comprising SPARK staff, Youth Hub representatives, and university Career Development Centre (CDC) staff reviewed applications and conducted interviews, ultimately selecting 78 interns, 26 from each city, based on qualifications, motivation, and fit with available placements.

Those selected have now begun a three-month paid internship, putting their skills to work in real professional environments.

A Diverse Range of Placements

A total of 21 companies and institutions across the three cities are hosting interns this cycle, spanning a wide range of sectors:

• Education and capacity building
• Health services
• Industry and manufacturing
• Technology and innovation
• Construction and contracting
• Specialised social services

Through these placements, interns gain practical workplace experience, build professional networks, and strengthen their prospects for future employment. Host companies, in turn, gain access to motivated young talent while actively contributing to workforce development in their communities.

Ongoing Support

Throughout the internship period, SPARK will maintain regular contact with both interns and host companies through Peer Employment Liaisons assigned to each city. Interns will also receive career coaching and professional development support to help them maximise their learning and strengthen their longer-term employment prospects.

Feedback from both interns and employers will be gathered throughout, informing future improvements to SPARK’s youth employment work in the region.