The Cité des Métiers et des Compétences (CMC) in Guelmim-Oued Noun, Morocco, has welcomed its first promotion of students on October 31, 2026, in celebration of the Unity Day (Aïd Al Wahda). This marks a significant milestone in the region's development, as the CMC aims to provide training programs that cater to the needs of the local job market. The event was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Mohammed Nabil Benabdellah, Minister of National Education, Preschool, Vocational Training, and Qualification.
The CMC in Guelmim-Oued Noun is the third of its kind in Morocco's Provinces du Sud, representing an investment of 236 million dirhams. The institution offers 32 training programs across four strategic poles: Agriculture, Digital and Artificial Intelligence, Building and Public Works, and Fishing. With a capacity to accommodate 1,100 students per year, the CMC is expected to play a vital role in developing the skills of young people in the region. The training programs are designed to meet the needs of key sectors in the region and are aligned with market priorities.
The CMC features state-of-the-art facilities, including a digital factory, an innovation space, and a pedagogical farm equipped with greenhouses. These facilities enable students to gain practical experience and develop their skills in a hands-on environment. The institution prioritizes practical learning and immersion in a professional setting, with the goal of enhancing the operationality of acquired skills. The CMC also offers common spaces, including a chain of innovation, a language center, a media center, and a conference center.
To support the development of students' personal and professional skills, the CMC provides various amenities, including a 150-bed student residence, meeting spaces, and sports facilities. The institution's Career Orientation Center offers guidance and support to students in constructing their professional projects, both during and after their training. The CMC also has an industrial antenna, the Institut Spécialisé dans les Métiers de l'Industrie (ISMI) in Guelmim, which offers nine training programs in fields such as electrical engineering, automotive, and mechanical engineering.
The realization of the CMC required a significant investment of 236 million dirhams, which includes 158 million dirhams for construction and 78 million dirhams for equipment. The region contributed 25 million dirhams to the project. The CMC is part of a broader effort by the Office de la Formation Professionnelle et de la Promotion du Travail (OFPPT) to diversify its offerings and respond to the evolving needs of regional economic actors.
The OFPPT continues to expand its network of training institutions, with 16 establishments, 5 centers, and 3 Cités des Métiers et des Compétences. These structures cover various sectors, including management, industry, digital and artificial intelligence, tourism, and healthcare. The OFPPT's device offers 22,232 pedagogical places, with four levels of training, including technical and specialized training, as well as Bac Pro and qualifying training.
The launch of the CMC in Guelmim-Oued Noun reflects the Moroccan government's commitment to developing the skills of young people and promoting economic growth in the Provinces du Sud. The institution is expected to play a key role in addressing the region's skills needs and contributing to its sustainable development. With its state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive training programs, the CMC is poised to make a positive impact on the lives of young people in the region.
Key points
- The Cité des Métiers et des Compétences in Guelmim-Oued Noun offers 32 training programs across four strategic poles.
- The institution has a capacity to accommodate 1,100 students per year and represents an investment of 236 million dirhams.
- The CMC prioritizes practical learning and immersion in a professional setting to enhance the operationality of acquired skills.
