Learning by Doing – Get Ready for Work

In addition to the General School System with a nursery, Kindergarten, primary, preparatory, and secondary school, a second educational program at SEKEM is the Vocational and Technical Education System. Established in 1997 and accredited by Mubarak-Kohl Technical Program in 1999, the aim of this technical education program is to offer young people useful professional skills that are in demand in the local labor market. The three-year technical program stresses on “learning by doing and doing while learning”, as well as on the job training, practices, and preparation.

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The Vocational Training Center (VTC) provides young people with abilities that are needed in the local labor market. Given the current lack of opportunities in the Egyptian labor market, the curriculum prepares students for self-employment. Through training courses, the apprentices are guided through every aspect of their chosen trade. In line with the SEKEM philosophy “learning by doing and doing by learning”, on-the-job training is emphasized and practical skills are judged to be just as important as theory. Trainees participate in a three-year program, taught by both local and foreign-trained staff. Since 1999, the VTC has been accredited by the Initiative for Industrial Schools for Vocational Training (formerly the Mubarak-Kohl-Initiative), a highly successful German technical assistance project in Egypt. Accredited courses include:

  • Mechanics
  • Plumbing
  • Ready Made Garment
  • Carpentry
  • Agriculture Machinery Mechanics
  • General Administration
  • Electronic Technology (incl. computer maintenance)
  • Welding