The U.S. Embassy in Cairo is collaborating with the Government of Egypt and the private sector to enhance technical and vocational education through a new initiative. This three-year project aims to promote job opportunities and sustainable economic development.
The joint program, named Workforce Improvement and Skill Enhancement, was officially launched by Egyptian officials and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) at a ceremony in Maadi. Dr. William Patterson, head of the Economic Growth team at USAID, stated, “This project will strengthen the economy by preparing students for today’s job market. It is a concerted effort across government ministries, the private sector, civil society, educational institutions, development partners, and local communities.”
Over its three-year span, the $22.1 million project will see USAID working closely with several entities including the Ministry of Education and Technical Education, the Industrial Training Council, the private sector, and Egypt’s National Competitiveness Council. The focus will be on enhancing technical and vocational education and training programs while fostering stronger connections between employers and training centers.
The initiative also aims to create local partnerships that support economic development by improving worker skills, employability, and productivity in specific sectors and regions. Additionally, it will include environmental "green" training for students.