Rabat – Morocco is set to launch three new Cities of Trades and Skills (CMC) in the upcoming academic year, Minister of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment, and Skills, Younes Sekkouri, said during a session at the House of Representatives.
The vocational training complexes add to the four existing cities already established across different regions of Morocco. In recent years, Morocco saw a significant rise in the number of CMCs in line with the country’s strategy to provide market-oriented training.
The country currently holds CMCs in Agadir, Nador, Laayoune, and Rabat, each offering a wide range of specialties and can accommodate the needs of a large number of students. The Agadir complex currently offers 3,240 places, Nador has 2,920, while Laayoune and Rabat can accommodate 2,040 and 4,400 students respectively.
While the overall progress has been positive, the minister acknowledged that four other cities have faced challenges due to the soaring prices of construction materials. As a result, construction companies responsible for these projects have struggled to fulfill their commitments.
To address this issue, the government allocated additional funding and initiated new bidding processes.
The primary objective of establishing the CMC is to cultivate a new generation of vocational training institutions that differ from traditional centers.
The cities aim to provide students with guidance and access to multidisciplinary platforms in various industries, including agriculture, tourism, and social services. According to Sekkouri, the ultimate goal is to equip beneficiaries with the necessary skills to integrate successfully into the job market.
The minister highlighted the notable success of vocational training graduates in finding employment, with an impressive placement rate of 69% compared to other types of education.
To further enhance the chance of employability for Moroccan youth, the minister called for continuous evaluation and enhancement of existing programs, the establishment of new vocational training institutions, active involvement of the private sector in their management, and a focus on developing soft skills and language proficiency, which are crucial in today’s competitive job market.
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