The Enterprise Incubator Foundation (EIF) consistently works toward boosting Armenia’s IT/High-Tech industry and improving technological education in the country. As part of its efforts, the foundation in cooperation with partners implements the USAID-funded Armenia Workforce Development Activity.

In today’s blog, we tell the success story of Activity participant, Erik Ohanyan. He has completed the “Graphic Design” course, organized by the EIF and the Vanadzor Technology Center (VTC) in the framework of Armenia Workforce Development Activity.

Erik is 25 years old, an alumnus of the Lori Regional State College. He has worked in many industries, from smithcraft to marketing. The work of a blacksmith is something Erik always felt drawn to, because it let him pour his thoughts into the metal, bending it in whatever way he wanted. As a creative person, Erik never had a shortage of ideas, although it was sometimes difficult to realize them. Now, having completed the “Graphic Design” course, Erik can freely express his ideas in the form of various objects.

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He learned about the course from the VTC Facebook page and enrolled at once. “All my expectations were exceeded,” said Erik. “Our instructor Edita Hovhannisyan provided huge support to us. She was a source of real motivation for all of us in the group.”

Erik is already using his new skills. He is collaborating with a sci-fi writer, illustrating the cover for the book that is to be published soon. A comic book version is in the plan for the future.

“I have other plans too, it’s all very promising,” said Erik. He is certain that everyone can contribute to the development of Lori marz as a whole.

“As they say, you really need to become the change that is needed and do more for your town, for your region,” noted Erik.

He has a message for other young people in Lori: “Don’t feel disheartened because of difficulties. Just focus on your goals and work towards them, and success will come!”

Armenia Workforce Development Activity is a five-year program funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by the Enterprise Incubator Foundation (EIF) and consortium partners, including the Armenian National Agrarian University (ANAU) Foundation, Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR), and Civitta Armenia.

Throughout its lifetime, Armenia Workforce Development Activity will provide 10,000 young people, with a particular focus on women and people with disabilities with the opportunities of getting their skills in line with the labor market needs, so that they become more competitive and succeed in better employment. The Activity will work closely with educational institutions such as vocational, training, higher education institutions, as well as with private sector companies to identify their needs and assist in training.