The Kasserine region in Tunisia has launched new vocational training programs to provide more opportunities for young people seeking to acquire skills in various fields. Currently, there are approximately 750 trainees registered in vocational training centers in the region, with a total capacity of 1,200. The regional director of employment and vocational training, Mohamed Ararmi, stated that the 2026-2027 training year began on September 17, with two training sessions scheduled for September and November.
The region has five vocational training centers, including the Rural Girl Center in Sbeitla, the Vocational Training Center in Sbeitla, and three centers in Kasserine city and one in Btalla. These institutions offer 33 training programs, including five at the professional technical level, 13 at the skill certificate level, and 15 at the professional competency level. Ararmi noted that the Tunisian Agency for Vocational Training's website remains open for registration in programs with low enrollment.
New training programs have been introduced in the region, including a high-level technical degree in industrial maintenance at the Kasserine Vocational Training and Education Center. This program, which is offered for the first time in the region, is designed for those with a baccalaureate degree or a professional technical qualification. Additionally, a professional technical degree program in IT support has been added, with 20 trainees currently enrolled.
The regional director emphasized that the authorities are working to create new training programs that respond to the needs of the job market and the region's specificities. He noted that the response to textile sector training programs remains weak, largely due to the difficulties faced by institutions operating in the sector. The Rural Girl Center in Sbeitla is being restructured to offer training programs for both men and women.
The center will focus on agricultural-related training programs, and will also provide training for women and girls benefiting from economic empowerment programs. Ararmi highlighted that continuous training is a key aspect of the program, enabling trainees to acquire new skills and enhance their employability. The ministry has launched initiatives to promote entrepreneurship and self-employment among young people.
The minister has issued a circular establishing "youth initiative clubs" at vocational training centers, which will provide support and guidance to young people. The program also includes a "youth entrepreneurship" initiative, which will provide training and funding for young entrepreneurs. Ararmi noted that the integration rate of vocational training graduates into the job market is around 70% nationally.
The ministry has also established several financing lines to support economic initiatives, including a line of credit for economic institutions in less developed regions, with a total value of 15 million dinars nationally. Additionally, a financing line has been established for people with disabilities, with a value of 5 million dinars nationally, of which 320,000 dinars have been allocated to the Kasserine region.
Key points
- New vocational training programs have been introduced in the Kasserine region to provide more opportunities for young people seeking to acquire skills in various fields.
- The regional authorities are working to create new training programs that respond to the needs of the job market and the region's specificities.
- The integration rate of vocational training graduates into the job market is around 70% nationally.
