Promising Integration: Professional Training Graduates Thrive in Moroccan Job Market

In a significant development, the Minister of Economic Inclusion, Younes Sekkouri, has announced that graduates from professional training programs in Morocco are experiencing an impressive 90% integration rate into the job market. This revelation came during a recent interrogatory session at the House of Representatives, where Sekkouri highlighted the government's efforts and achievements in enhancing employment opportunities.

Strong Employment Outcomes for Graduates

Sekkouri's report showcased that 70% of professional training graduates secure employment immediately after completing their studies, with this figure rising to over 80% for graduates from specific training institutions. Remarkably, within three years of graduation, the job market integration rate for these graduates reaches 90%. 

The automotive industry leads with an 81% employment rate for these graduates, followed by the electrical industry at 70%, and the artificial intelligence sector at 66%.

Government Initiatives Driving Employment

The minister expressed satisfaction with the impact of government programs such as "Idmaj," which has facilitated the integration of 120,000 individuals into the job market. Of these, 35% are from professional training institutes, while 23% are university graduates. 

Programs like "Tahfiz" and "Awrach" have also significantly contributed to employment. The "Tahfiz" program has benefited 20,000 individuals, with 27% being graduates of professional training institutes and 25% university graduates. Meanwhile, the "Awrach" program has seen 10% of its beneficiaries coming from professional training institutes and 13% from universities, with a notable 70% of its participants hailing from rural areas.

Women Making Strides in the Workforce

Sekkouri highlighted the encouraging trend of increasing female participation in the workforce. According to the National Social Security Fund (CNSS), women now occupy over 33% of newly created job positions, with this figure climbing to 44% in certain sectors.

Expanding Access to Professional Training

Demonstrating the government's commitment to equitable access to professional training, Sekkouri noted the presence of 2,055 professional training institutes across the nation. This includes 420 institutes under the Office of Professional Training and Employment Promotion, 275 institutes affiliated with various government sectors, and 1,360 private sector institutes, collectively catering to approximately 418,000 learners. These facilities also offer extensive boarding and apprenticeship opportunities.

Scrutiny and Challenges

Despite the positive statistics, some parliament members expressed skepticism, questioning the alignment of these figures with the current challenges of rising unemployment rates. One member pointed out that while initiatives like "Awrach" have alleviated joblessness, they have not completely addressed the underlying unemployment issues.

According to the 2024 report from the High Commission for Planning (HCP), Morocco saw a net reduction of 80,000 jobs between the first quarters of 2023 and 2024. This included the loss of 159,000 positions in rural areas, many of which were unpaid, alongside the creation of 78,000 jobs in urban areas. The national unemployment rate has risen from 12.9% to 13.7%, with urban areas experiencing an increase from 17.1% to 17.6%, and rural areas from 5.7% to 6.8%.

Addressing Unemployment Among Youth and Women

The report underscored the persistent high unemployment rates among young people aged 15 to 24 (35.9%), graduates (20.3%), and women (20.1%). These figures highlight ongoing challenges despite the government's efforts and the promising job integration rates for professional training graduates.

As Morocco continues to navigate the complexities of its labor market, the government's initiatives and their outcomes will remain crucial in shaping the future employment landscape for its citizens.