Vocational school graduates eager to join Moroccan labour market
2009-08-06
Moroccan youth hope that a government-sponsored vocational training programme will help reduce unemployment.
By Sarah Touahri for Magharebia in Rabat – 06/08/09
 [Abdelhak Senna/AFP/Getty Images] Moroccan Prime Minister Abbas El Fassi said the placement rate for OFFPT vocational school graduates is above 75%. |
In an effort to find a job in a difficult labour market, many young Moroccans have recently chosen vocational training after completing their baccalaureate degrees.
Numbers cited last week by Prime Minister Abbas El Fassi at a vocational school graduation back up their choice.
"It's a good start for young people, although you have to make an effort to find work and hold onto it," said Amine G., who studied business through the government-funded Office of Vocational Training and the Promotion of Labour (OFFPT) and graduated last year. He said that vocational training offers graduates the prospect of finding work.
Speaking to new graduates on Wednesday (July 29th), the Prime Minister said that the OFFPT helped 400,000 of its graduates join the workforce. He also noted that the placement rate for OFFPT graduates was between 75 and 100%.
He said the OFPPT is a critical component in developing the vocational skills of graduates, and the office helps business, young people and the economy overall.
The OFFPT launched a vocational training program in July 2008 to prepare graduates for work in a variety of sectors, including tourism, transport and industry. In its first year, 194,000 students were enrolled in training programs. For the coming 2009-10 training period, 220 students are enrolled, an increase of 14%. The OFFPT hopes to train 650,000 youth by 2012.
The director general of OFPPT, Larbi Bencheikh, said that there are a number of reasons for the high placement rate of graduates. The OFFPT programme worked to provide detailed course materials for all modules and subject areas, he explained.
"The improvement of skills among the training bodies, rolling out skills assessments, help with specialisation and certification…These have been some of the OFPPT's priorities. 500 training personnel have been certified by international organisations such as CISCO, CNAM, Microsoft, Véritas, etc.," he said.
Nawal T., who trained in company management in 2006, said she received a number of offers in the country’s economic capital but preferred to stay in Rabat to avoid the “stress” of commuting. After working for a short while at a credit agency and a textiles company, she is currently looking for another job.
"Job opportunities are limited for those working outside of Casablanca," she said. My classmates have almost all found work. Most of them work in Casablanca, one friend found work in Tangiers. If I'd left Rabat, I'd have found stable employment. I'm now seriously thinking about going to work in another town," she said.
However, the training programme has led many graduates to find stable work in the public and private sectors.
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IBALINE EL HACHMI Posted 2009-08-07
What would these innocent people do in this market, which is teeming with ignorance and disobedience in regards to taxes and the other duties of citizenship? Of the latter, efficiency and good morals are required by the clients, the numbers of whom are increased by women and foreigners. Is it not time to replace these ignorant these ignorant practitioners with their children, who have accumulated knowledge and know-how, both deserving respect and earning diplomas. Regarding those who have thus pointed out that the state is aim far ahead for the progress of society as a whole through knowledge from afar, are not these abstraction that which constitute the basic foundation for all of our businesses? Indeed, how can we value a mechanic, for example, who does not know of sinusoidal movement, and, because of this, the care the client needs fails? How can we value a gardener who does not understand the role of photosynthesis or of the combination of fertilisers for high-light or low-light plants in satisfying his client’s preferences? And the same goes for all other uneducated people, who only know how to make promises and falsify. How can we desire that this ignorance further develop and ever produce any money to feed us and create new jobs for other young entrepreneurs to fill? When will this government’s will unite and put end to unemployment?
masar Posted 2009-08-10
Can he join them from the elementary education?
nawal Posted 2009-08-15
We thank you for this site. We want to know if there are any open vacancies especially because graduates of a vocational training centres are numerous in different fields.
formateurs ista ouarzazate Posted 2009-09-15
We support the dismissal of General Director Larbi. Indeed, his policies only contribute to reducing our privileges. We are so smothered now, that his dismissal will cause us no shame. This is something we have wanted to say for a long time and this is the occasion to say it freely. We received this news with great relief, as did our colleagues, especially Samir, who told us the news three days ago. -Signed, Boumriss, Bouyoub and Ait Gaghou
naima Posted 2009-11-19
thnks for the information:)
Younes Posted 2010-02-19
My Name is Younes im a Moroccan Man frome Essaouira of Morocco i have 25 years old.Im Unemployed at the moment on the Hotel five stars his Name is ATLAS ESSAOUIRA & SPA i was works as Stewarding and cleaners Room in Morocco,but realy im interested to move to Italy,i always wanted to live here In Morocco but bit not have any chance for find job but i swear im very much poor and i wish works for make my life happy and good and help my family we are 5 person for house and poor and I wish married with my fiancé Nicoleta and now i think is a great moment to wrrited to us and say we are all what happed with me and all what me have say is true.Im looking now for a work contract in hotel as Stewarding and Assistant cook and cleaners Room or Porter or Agriculture or Farm or any think ,it doesnt matters the job for me please can somebody advice me about work offers and help to me?and I need contract works for 2 years or 4 years. pls contact me
abdelmoula Posted 2010-03-12
I want you to employ everyone who has a professional training diploma or help us get a job to avoid going to streets because in streets there are all kind of tribulations. Thank you for your site!
مريم القدوري Posted 2010-06-10
To the minister, Abbas Al Fassi. You have honoured Morocco. I say this proudly. But I ask you to remove the regional exam because it ruins many young people. I know you like young people and want what's good for them.
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