The first Training and Employment Forum, organised by the Municipality of Tétouan, the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services of the Tangier-Tétouan-Al Hoceima Region, the Agence Nationale de Promotion de l’Emploi et des Compétences (ANAPEC) of the Province of Tétouan and MedCités, as part of the TT-Emploi project financed by the Catalan Agency for Development Cooperation (ACCD) – from the Catalan Gouvernement- was held at Bab Sefli, Tétouan, on 3, 4 and 5 July 2024.

Under the supervision of the provincial authorities and in partnership with several public and private institutions and civil society associations, this event aimed to present the various institutions working in the fields of training, employment, and entrepreneurship, to bring together supply and demand in the employment market, to facilitate connections between entrepreneurial institutions and project leaders, to establish this forum as an annual event, and to create a platform uniting those involved in training, integration and entrepreneurship.

The forum brought together 9 public institutions, 7 civil society associations and 32 private companies, attracting over 8,000 visitors. Of the 932 online registrants, 70.9% were job seekers, 14.7% were project holders and 14.4% were training seekers, with a breakdown of 53.8% women and 46.2% men, mainly aged between 18 and 25 (48.6%).

Taking place over three days, the forum began on 3 July 2024 with an official opening and presentations on the importance of training and employment for local development. On 4 July 2024, there were training workshops and conferences on entrepreneurship and support for SMEs. Finally, on 5 July 2024, there was the closing session, the distribution of certificates of thanks and recognition, and the presentation of awards to outstanding institutions. In all, more than 30 workshops and seminars on training, employment, and entrepreneurship were organised over the 3 days of the forum.

The results and recommendations of the forum include the provision of numerous employment and training opportunities, the conclusion of new partnerships, the creation of a platform for dialogue and communication between the various players, the strengthening of communication between organisers and participants to ensure that recommendations are followed up, the organisation of periodic forums to monitor developments in these areas, and support for SMEs to stimulate economic growth.

This first Training and Employment Forum illustrated the success of cooperation between the public and private sectors and civil society, underlining the importance of continuing this joint effort to strengthen employment and development opportunities in the province of Tetouan.

In the autumn, it will be Tangier’s turn to organise another Training and Employment Forum as part of the TT-Emploi project.