The Ready-Made Garments and Home Textiles Chamber at the Federation of Egyptian Industries (FEI) has participated in workshops held in Sweden as part of the EU-funded AlignVET project, which aims to align Egypt’s technical and vocational education and training programmes with the actual needs of the labour market.
Funded through the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme, AlignVET brings together Egyptian and European partners to develop vocational education curricula based on the skills and competencies required by industry.
The chamber is participating as a representative of the industrial sector, contributing to discussions aimed at identifying the jobs, skills and competencies needed by the ready-made garments and home textiles industry and translating them into relevant educational and training programmes.
Mohamed Abdel Salam, Chairperson of the Ready-Made Garments and Home Textiles Chamber, said that the initiative reflects the importance of positioning industry as a key partner in developing technical education.
He added that manufacturers are best positioned to identify the jobs and skills required in factories, making their involvement in curriculum development essential to ensuring graduates are equipped with capabilities that meet market needs.
Abdel Salam noted that the garments sector is witnessing rapid changes in technology, production methods and quality requirements, making continuous workforce development critical to supporting growth, improving competitiveness and boosting exports.
Meanwhile, Alaa Ashmawy, Chairperson of the National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education (NAQAAE), said AlignVET involves industry leaders in developing educational content designed to bridge the gap between employers’ needs and graduates’ skills.
He disclosed that the project connects educational institutions, practical training and employers while benefiting from the expertise of international partners, including universities and technological institutions in Sweden.
The authority will also ensure that the developed curricula meet international standards and Egypt’s National Qualifications Framework.
Jan Henry Hanna, Acting President of Beni Suef Technological University, said the project will incorporate modern skills such as artificial intelligence, data analysis, advanced technologies and problem-solving into vocational education programmes.
He revealed that the first curriculum for the ready-made garments sector is expected to be completed by June 2027 following consultations with industry representatives.
Ahmed Saeed Swelam, Director of the Educational Excellence Centre at Ain Shams University, stated that curriculum development should not take place independently of manufacturers, stressing the need for sustainable partnerships between technical education institutions and industrial companies.
The AlignVET project ultimately aims to establish a sustainable model linking education with industry, ensuring that employers play a central role in identifying required occupations and skills and shaping future training programmes.
