The Afghanistan Technical and Vocational Institute (ATVI) held its second graduation ceremony and career fair on May 27, 2009. The 856 graduates had completed an intensive year-long training program in construction, information and communications technology, agriculture, or horticulture – all burgeoning industries suffering from a shortage of skilled labor in Afghanistan.
A career fair followed the graduation ceremony, attended by representatives from many of Afghanistan’s leading firms. The fair allowed the skilled graduates to connect with potential employers for interviews and placement. “Job creation is critical to the advancement of Afghanistan,” noted Ambassador Karl Eikenberry in his commencement address. “The capable graduates of ATVI represent the raw material needed to fulfill such employment opportunities. Together with business leaders, they will provide Afghanistan with the skilled labor force it needs in order to develop.”