PFO Construction, a subsidiary of PFO Africa, marked the 25th anniversary of Côte d'Ivoire's Road Management Agency (AGEROUTE) and Road Maintenance Fund (FER) by reaffirming its commitment to youth investment and professional training. The company organized a masterclass on road infrastructure professions, highlighting the necessary skills to transform the sector by 2050. The event aimed to sensitize students and young graduates to employment opportunities and new requirements in road infrastructure.
The masterclass, titled "Road Infrastructure Professions: Skills, Innovation, and Opportunities for Future Generations," allowed participants to discover the changes in Côte d'Ivoire's strategic road infrastructure sector and the qualifications sought by companies. Evrard TAPÉ, PFO Construction's Development and Training Manager, presented the required professional profiles, qualifications, and access paths to road infrastructure professions. He emphasized the need to align academic training with professional realities.
PFO Construction's commitment to youth investment is also reflected in its partnership with the National Polytechnic Institute Félix Houphouët-Boigny (INP-HB). In 2019, the company launched a Master's program in Large Construction Project Management, combining theoretical education and practical training. The program has already benefited 160 young people, with 86 integrating into PFO Construction's workforce.
The company's efforts focus on providing beneficiaries with the necessary skills to manage and conduct large construction projects effectively. This approach aims to create a pool of local competencies, which is crucial for Côte d'Ivoire's road network modernization. PFO Construction's investment in human capital is seen as a key competitiveness and sustainable development lever.
Hama MAÏGA, PFO Construction's Southern Operations Director, highlighted the company's desire to consolidate its historical collaboration with AGEROUTE and continue contributing to Côte d'Ivoire's infrastructure development. The company is committed to remaining a partner in major national infrastructure projects, such as the Côtière and various Abidjan and South-West projects.
PFO Construction's vision for infrastructure development goes beyond construction, incorporating training, competency transfer, and preparing a new generation of professionals. The company's approach combines academic training, professional immersion, and insertion perspectives, aiming to constitute a local skills pool. This strategy is crucial as Côte d'Ivoire continues to modernize its road network.
As Côte d'Ivoire prepares for future road infrastructure needs, PFO Construction's investment in youth training and professional development is seen as essential. The company's efforts will contribute to creating a qualified workforce capable of designing, building, and maintaining the country's infrastructure.
Key points
- PFO Construction has trained 160 young people in its Large Construction Project Management program, with 86 joining the company's workforce.
