Strengthening Vocational Education: Egypt and Italy Collaborate for a Brighter Future
On February 12, 2025, Cairo became the center of a major educational collaboration as the Minister of Education and Technical Education of Egypt, Abdel Latif, and the Minister of Education and Merit of Italy, Giuseppe Valditara, formalized their intentions to enhance the convergence of their respective educational systems. This milestone in international education was marked by the exchange of letters of intent, with a shared goal of improving vocational education and training and expanding youth employment prospects in both nations.
The collaboration seeks to leverage the Italian Higher Technological Institutes model, which is renowned for its post-diploma technological specialization and its strong connections between the education system and industry. This model serves as a key focus in the agreement, aiming to replicate Italy's success in Egypt by developing training campuses and technical education networks that strengthen employability and skills development.
Key Agreements Signed to Boost Egyptian-Italian Educational Cooperation
During the event, several memorandums of understanding were signed, laying the groundwork for ongoing collaboration in the fields of vocational education and training, TVET. These agreements include:
1. Italian-Egyptian Job Centre MoU – This MoU, signed between the Italian Embassy and the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will establish a platform to improve job opportunities and connect youth with career prospects through educational initiatives.
2. TVET Collaboration MoU – An agreement between the Italian Agency of International Cooperation and the Federation of Egyptian Industries to enhance the quality and accessibility of vocational education and training programs in Egypt.
3. Partnerships in Technical Education – The signing of agreements between AICS, ENI, Italian multinational energy company, and local educational institutions, as part of the TEJPA Programme aimed at improving technical education and job prospects through the ATS, Alternanza Scuola Lavoro, model.
4. Youth Development Project MoU – A collaboration between the Italian Embassy in Cairo and the International Organization for Migration focused on the “PLAY 2” project, which aims to provide positive life alternatives to Egyptian youth by fostering skills development and job readiness.
The Role of the Italian Higher Technological Institutes
One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of the Italian Higher Technological Institutes as a model for success in technical education. ITS institutes in Italy offer a post-diploma specialization that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing students for the demands of the labor market. The ITS model focuses on areas such as engineering, technology, ICT, and sustainable development, making it a perfect fit for Egypt’s growing need for skilled workers in various industries.
The ITS model has gained widespread acclaim for its ability to connect education with industry, ensuring that students gain real-world experience while studying. This approach aligns perfectly with the Egyptian government’s aim to improve its vocational training systems and match them with the needs of local businesses.
Danieli Group’s Role in Supporting Technical Education
At the event, Paola Perabò, Director of Human Resources at the Danieli Group and President of ITS Academy Udine, shared the company’s ongoing efforts to support ITS education. Danieli, a global leader in the steel industry, has been a significant partner in the development of ITS institutes, with a strong commitment to helping prepare students for careers in engineering and industry.
Danieli’s involvement goes beyond just academic support; the company has invested in creating modern educational facilities, including a state-of-the-art multifunctional center at the Study Center of Udine. This facility houses the new premises of the ITS Academy Udine, providing cutting-edge classrooms and laboratories that enhance the learning-by-doing approach.
Moreover, Danieli has established the “Educational Hub Zerotredici”, a center focused on providing high-quality education with an emphasis on soft skills and teamwork. This initiative is highly valued by students and their families, and is part of the company’s broader social responsibility efforts to support employee families and local communities.
The Future of Vocational Education in Egypt and Italy
This collaboration represents a new chapter in Egypt’s vocational education and youth employment development. By adopting successful models like the ITS system and expanding international cooperation, Egypt is set to see an improvement in education quality, particularly in technical fields, and enhanced job prospects for its growing youth population.
For Italy, the agreements provide an opportunity to export its education model and strengthen ties with Egypt, particularly in sectors where Italy has strong expertise, including engineering, manufacturing, and sustainable development. Through these initiatives, both countries aim to create a win-win scenario, where education systems are aligned with industry needs, ensuring the future employability of students.
Key Takeaways:
• Egypt and Italy are collaborating to enhance vocational education and training (VET), particularly in technical education.
• Several MoUs have been signed to establish partnerships in education, job creation, and youth employment.
• The Italian Higher Technological Institutes (ITS) model, which combines post-diploma specialization with real-world work experience, will be used as a reference for reforming Egypt’s vocational training.
• The Danieli Group is a key player in supporting vocational education, offering modern facilities and a focus on soft skills and teamwork.
• The partnership aims to improve the quality of education and increase youth employability in both countries, especially in engineering, manufacturing, and sustainable development sectors.
• Initiatives like the “TEJPA Programme” and “PLAY 2 Project” focus on improving job prospects and providing positive life alternatives to Egyptian youth.
