Project
Summary

The "On-the-Job Training" project represents a field-based and developmental initiative implemented by the Child Protection and Care Organization (CPCO) in Aden Governorate. The project's concept emerged as a genuine and urgent response to the significant challenges facing a wide segment of young male and female graduates in Yemeni society (especially in Aden). Every year, massive numbers graduate from universities and institutes without possessing the sufficient practical experience demanded by labor markets and institutions.

A recent graduate often collides with the "prior experience" requirement when applying for any job, trapping them in a vicious cycle of unemployment. Therefore, the project sought to break these barriers by establishing a practical, participatory bridge connecting job seekers with various institutions and entities through direct training and networking.

The project went through integrated methodological and scientific steps to ensure the quality of outputs, summarized in the following phases:

1. Labor Market Needs Assessment
The project team began with field visits and consultations with governmental, private, and civil society entities to closely identify the most prominent required specialties, missing professional skills among graduates, and the actual needs of institutions. This helped formulate training programs based on realistic market demands rather than random choices.

2. Coordination and Networking Workshop (Stakeholders)
On September 29–30, 2025, an extensive workshop was held at the Lotus Hotel in Aden with the participation of 15 male and female representatives from various entities. The workshop aimed to build bridges of trust, discuss ways of cooperation, agree on trainee referral mechanisms, and pave the way for signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).

3. Attracting and Selecting Beneficiaries
Electronic registration was opened for unemployed youth, and the total number of applicants reached an eye-opening figure that reflects the scale of unemployment and need, standing at 331 young men and women.

Applicants underwent a rigorous screening and interview process based on objective criteria, including: (qualification and specialty, degree of urgent need, personal readiness and commitment, and capacity to benefit).

Only 30 beneficiaries (15 males and 15 females) were carefully selected to cover the two training courses.

4. Career and Administrative Rehabilitation Program (Theoretical Training)
Two training courses were implemented (10 training days per course) during the period from September 29 to October 20, 2025. Their activities were distributed between the organization's headquarters, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Social Welfare Fund.

The training curriculum focused on refining personal and employability skills, such as: career planning, CV and cover letter writing, interview skills, effective communication, teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making, administrative planning, archiving, and work ethics.

5. Referral to Practical Field Training
The practical field training phase launched on October 26, 2025, and lasted for two full months, during which trainees were distributed to the 9 previously mentioned entities according to their specializations and the needs of those entities.

The project was keen to support trainees by disbursing transportation allowances to motivate them and facilitate their commitment.

6. Continuous Field Monitoring and Evaluation
The project did not stop at referring the youth; it allocated a follow-up team to periodically visit training sites, communicate with direct supervisors, resolve difficulties, evaluate performance, and ensure trainees' adherence to professional discipline.

The project proved that theoretical training alone is not enough, and that integrating theoretical rehabilitation with practical field application and continuous monitoring is the true key to integrating youth into the labor market.

The project demonstrated an official desire and readiness from the leadership of the Ministry of Youth and Sports (represented by Minister Naif Al-Bakri) to support and expand these initiatives in the future to include larger numbers of graduates.