The Institute Specialising in the Aeronautics and Airport Logistics Trades (ISMALA) estimates MAD 79.8 million ($8.8 million) for the expansion of its facility in Nouaceur.
Rabat – The US’ Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) invested MAD 59.5 million ($6.6 million) through its MCA-Morocco “Charaka Fund” in construction works to upgrade the Institute Specializing in Aeronautics and Airport Logistics Trades (ISMALA) in Nouaceur, near Casablanca. Construction launched on Thursday.
After the extension and conversion, the Nouaceur facilities will provide 1,200 new vocational training spaces in nine airport and aeronautics trade sectors, Morocco’s state media reported.
The sectors include airport logistics, surface treatment, heat treatment, digitally controlled machinery, machining operation, aircraft maintenance mechanics, and aerostructure and aeronautical welding.
Morocco’s Office for Vocational Training and Promotion of Work (OFPPT) is contributing to the ISMALA project with MAD 20.2 million ($2.2 million), according to the same source.
The project is a part of the developmental roadmap of vocational training that OFPPT presented to King Mohammed VI in April 2019 in partnership with the Moroccan Aerospace and Space Industries Group (GIMAS) and the Department of Industry and the National Airports Office (ONDA).
The partnership resulted in the creation of a School Council.
Minister Education Saaid Amzazi and Minister of Industry Moulay Hafid Elalamy were present at the construction launch, along with President of the Casablanca-Settat Region Council Mustapha Bakkoury, Governor of the Province of Nouaceur Abdallah Chater, OFPPT Director General Loubna Tricha, ONDA Director General Habiba Laklalech, and GIMAS President Karim Cheikh.
Elalamy pointed out that 142 companies operate in the field and produce about 42% of the country’s aeronautics components.
Upgrading the ISMALA airport and aeronautics trades vocational facility in Nouaceur is one of 15 Chakara-funded projects that will create 12,670 professional opportunities for trainees across the country, according to the same source.
The Charaka Fund is a partnership between Morocco and the United States established under the “Compact II” cooperation program, with a budget of $450 million financed through the US’ Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).
The Fund aims to promote the professional inclusion of young people, improve the competitiveness of companies, and adopt collaborative governance with professionals.
