The City of Trades and Skills in Kelmim, Morocco, has finally opened its doors to trainees after a three-year delay. The city was initially set to open during the 2023/2024 academic year but faced multiple setbacks, including the halt of construction work by the winning contractor. The project's delay led to concerns among local and central authorities, but a generous donation of land by a local businessman helped resolve the issue.
A local businessman donated 7 hectares of land to the Ministry of National Education, Vocational Training, Higher Education, and Scientific Research during the 2016-2021 mandate. Four hectares of the donated land were allocated for the construction of the City of Trades and Skills. The donation facilitated the signing of a construction agreement in December, enabling the project's completion. The city's construction was a collaborative effort between the General Directorate of Vocational Training and Employment Promotion and the Kelmim-Wad Noun regional council.
The City of Trades and Skills spans 4 hectares and features 32 training programs, including 11 in agriculture and food industry, 8 in construction and public works, 9 in digitalization and artificial intelligence, and 4 in marine fishing. The institution also offers shared facilities and pedagogical spaces to enhance trainees' skills. The project's budget was approximately 125 million dirhams, with 25 million dirhams contributed by the regional council and 100 million dirhams by the General Directorate of Vocational Training and Employment Promotion.
The project's implementation faced significant challenges, including the lack of suitable land and construction delays. Despite these obstacles, the City of Trades and Skills is expected to boost the region's vocational training capacities. Local authorities hope that the institution will provide young people with the skills needed to enter the workforce.
The Kelmim-Wad Noun region is expected to benefit greatly from the City of Trades and Skills. The institution's training programs cater to the region's economic needs, and its facilities are designed to provide trainees with hands-on experience. The city's opening marks a significant milestone in Morocco's efforts to enhance vocational training and address youth unemployment.
The General Directorate of Vocational Training and Employment Promotion had initially planned to complete the project within 18 months. However, the construction delay and subsequent contract termination with the winning contractor led to a significant setback. The directorate eventually contracted with a new consortium to complete the project, ensuring its timely completion.
The City of Trades and Skills is a significant investment in Morocco's vocational training sector. With its diverse training programs and modern facilities, the institution is poised to make a positive impact on the region's economic development. The project's success will likely be closely monitored by local and national authorities.
Key points
- The City of Trades and Skills in Kelmim offers 32 training programs, including agriculture, construction, and digitalization.
- A local businessman donated 7 hectares of land to facilitate the project's completion.
- The project's budget was approximately 125 million dirhams, with contributions from the regional council and the General Directorate of Vocational Training and Employment Promotion.
