Designing a Model for the Development of Technical and Vocational Education Tailored to the Needs of the Labor Market and Regional Capacities: A Case Study of the Garment Industry in Kurdistan Province

Due to its special position, its importance to the people and the fact that clothing is one of the basic human needs, the garment industry has the potential to have a high impact on growth rate, employment and production. Paying attention to the development of this industry and increasing the level of related education in this field can be effective in economic, social and environmental development. The purpose of this study was to develop an indigenous model for the development of technical and vocational education appropriate to the needs of the labor market and regional capacity in the field of clothing industry in Kurdistan Province. The approach used was qualitative with the foundation data theory method. Potential participants in the research included experts and informants in the field of clothing industry consisting of public and private sector trainers, vocational trainers, university lecturers and clothing industry activists. Using purposive sampling method, 22 people were invited to participate in the semi-structured interview. Data taken from interview transcripts were analyzed in three-stage theoretical coding, and components related to the data-based theory model, namely contexts, processes, strategies, intervening factors, and consequences, were identified. Based on the designed research model, 19 competency standards and 19 performance standards were developed in both men's and women's clothing and recommendations were made for the development of the garment industry in Kurdistan Province.