“Trained mechanics will have the opportunity to gain work in countries with high unemployment, while Volvo will gain access to the trained personnel that is required in order to expand in Africa. By training local manpower, we will contribute to sustainable growth in the countries in which Volvo operates,” says Malin Ripa, Senior Vice President Corporate Sustainability.
The Volvo Group’s presence in Morocco dates back to the 1950s. The Group’s high share of the truck market in combination with the country’s investments in infrastructure makes Morocco a country where the Volvo Group can grow. Morocco is a country with high unemployment among young people, and where the existing education system places focus on theoretical education, which does not reflect the needs of industry. The consequence is that the shortage of adequate competency is impeding growth in the country.
The trainee programs is located in the city of Settat in the northern part of Morocco and includes 150 students from Morocco, the Ivory Coast and Senegal every year.
“The practical knowledge one can acquire through workshop exercises and internships at local companies makes it professional training beyond compare.Those who complete this demanding program will definitely be able to distinguish themselves on the job market”, said Mohamed Ech-Chemchakhi, one of the students.
The establishment of the training schools in Morocco is the result of a cooperation between the Volvo Group, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the OCP Foundation and the Moroccan Ministry of national education and vocational training.
