Training to Help Improve Post-Conscription Job Prospects for Iranian Youth

EghtesadOnline: An online platform has been launched that assesses the skills of those who have completed the mandatory military service and provides them training courses during their time in the armed forces.

News ID: ۷۸۴۳۵۴

26 November 2018

The plan is expected to help increase the productivity of the time spent by draftees during the nearly two years of military service and boost their likelihood of landing a good and permanent job in future, Peivast news website reported.

Using their national ID number and mobile phone number, those interested can enroll in the program through the website sarbazmaher.ir.

After registering, users are required to fill out a talent questionnaire. Based on each applicant’s answers he will be provided with suitable training courses during the period of his military service. Women are exempt from conscription, Financial Tribune reported.

According to deputy defense minister, Brigadier General Mehdi Farahi, over 500 skill categories are defined in the online system. “Applicants will be provided with training in the category compatible with their individual preference and capabilities.”

The introduction of the online platform has been a follow up to an earlier endeavor to make the mandatory military service more useful.

In  March a memorandum of understanding was signed between the General Staff of the Armed Forces and the ICT Ministry to offer 200,000 draftees training in the field of information and communication technology and relevant skills.

Based on the MoU, the government agreed to identify employment opportunities for the young soldiers and officers after their service is completed.

Making better use of the time spent during the mandatory military service has been on the government agenda.

As per law, all males upon reaching the age of 18 must serve in the armed forces for 21 months to be eligible for employment or traveling abroad. An estimated 400,000 men turn up for military service every year.