JPO office

In November 2024, a delegation of 7 Egyptian professionals, including the Director of the Productivity and Vocational Training Department under the Ministry of Trade and Industry, travelled to Turin (Italy) to participate in a Study Tour implemented under the framework of PESDO – Promotion of Employment and Socio-Economic Development Opportunities through a Better Quality TVET System in Sharkeya project. This project is co-funded by AICS in the framework of the MEPEP Programme, funded by the EU.

This Study Tour represents the conclusion of a capacity-building path, initiated months prior involving the Job Placement Officers of the 10^th of Ramadan VTC, beneficiary of PESDO project and the MEPEP Programme.

The delegation’s journey began with a warm welcome from CNOS-FAP, a key institution in Italy’s vocational training sector within the Salesian of Don Bosco Network in Italy. Throughout the week, participants engaged in an intensive program focused on the management and the techniques of supporting youth in finding employment opportunities in technical sectors. Visits to employment service offices in Rebaudengo, Monterosa, and Agnelli showcased innovative approaches to linking education with labour market demands. The delegation observed how these offices operate to support both youth and adults, using tools and systems tailored to diverse needs.

The mission strongly emphasised fostering connections between vocational training providers and the private sector. Delegates toured specialized training centres and industrial companies to witness how training programmes are designed in collaboration with industries to meet specific market needs. This approach demonstrated the potential for aligning vocational training in Egypt with labour market expectations, ultimately improving employability for graduates.

A pivotal moment of the mission was the roundtable discussion titled “PPP and TVET: Exploring new Public–Private Partnerships in the Technical Educational and Vocational Sector to strengthen the synergies between Italy and Egypt” which brought together representatives from the Piedmont Region, ITC-ILO, CNOS-FAP, Turin Municipality, the ETF, alongside other stakeholders such as AICS Cairo, the PVTD, and Istituto Salesiano Don Bosco Cairo. As the highest representative of AICS Office in Cairo, the Director Dr. Martino Melli’s participation in the Turin Study Tour significantly enriched the experience for all involved, facilitating meaningful discussions on enhancing vocational training and development. The round table also involved the company A.I. Group as a private sector representative engaged in the green transition. The exchange of ideas and experiences during this session laid the foundation for future collaborations and knowledge sharing between the two countries.

In addition to its professional achievements, the mission included cultural visits to Turin and Milan. These experiences gave delegates a deeper appreciation of Italy’s heritage and further strengthened the bonds among team members. Such exchanges underscored the importance of cultural understanding in fostering international cooperation.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to CNOS-FAP Piedmont for their warm hospitality, invaluable insights, and commitment to supporting the development of Egypt’s TVET sector. Their contributions made this mission a resounding success and a source of inspiration for future initiatives. We also sincerely thank the dedicated officers and participants whose active engagement, commitment, and collaborative spirit were essential to the mission’s success.

The Turin study mission is a testament to the project’s commitment to driving meaningful change in Egypt’s TVET sector. By incorporating best practices and strengthening partnerships, the mission’s outcomes will directly contribute to developing innovative training solutions and sustainable socio-economic growth in Sharkeya. The project team remains dedicated to implementing these insights and sharing progress through future updates.