Role of on-site Architectural Courses in Enhancing Graduate Employability Skills across KRG Universities

To meet architecture's contemporary demands, this study investigates the role of on-site practical learning in shaping the employability skills of architecture graduates in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRG). Despite the expansion of architecture programs, a notable proportion of graduates remain unemployed or shifted into unrelated fields, exposing a gap between industry expectations and academic preparation. Employing a mixed-methods approach comprising a survey of 120 fresh graduates 2023-2024, interviews with industry professionals, and department heads. This research evaluates the effectiveness of experiential learning methods such as site visits, internships, and field-based training in developing technical, generic, and personal competencies. The findings highlight a statistically significant inverse correlation between skill gaps and employment status, underscoring the practical relevance of structured, on-site learning. Industry experts mentioned prevalent "practice shock" among fresh graduates, attributed to limited professional exposure during their studies. Meanwhile, the head of departments identified inconsistent implementation of internships, weak university-industry partnerships, and limited university support as primary barriers to experiential learning integration. The study concludes that embedding longitudinal, real-world experiences within the curriculum, supported by strategic collaborations with professional firms, is essential to bridging the theory-practice divide and enhancing graduate employability skills. Recommendations include curriculum reform and internship standardization. By repositioning on-site learning as a core component of architectural education, Kurdistan’s universities can better prepare graduates for the dynamic needs of the construction industry.