One of Egypt’s leading industry organisations, the Readymade Garments and Home Textiles Export Council of Egypt has participated in workshops and events in Sweden as part of the AlignVET project. The EU-funded Erasmus+ initiative aims to align Egypt’s technical and vocational education and training programmes with labour market needs by strengthening partnerships between education institutions, industry, and businesses.
Dr. Mohamed Abdel Salam, Chairman of the Readymade Garments and Home Textiles Chamber, emphasized that the chamber’s participation reflects the critical role of industry as a key partner in developing technical education to ensure graduates meet factory needs. He noted that the garment sector is witnessing rapid technological advancements, requiring continuous skills development to bridge the gap between education outcomes and industrial needs, thereby boosting competitiveness. He added that the project will help map out required jobs, tasks, and competencies to design targeted training programs, stressing that investing in human capital is just as vital as investing in machinery.
Dr. Alaeddin Ashmawy, Chairman of the National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education (NQAAE), stated that the project incorporates industry leaders to bridge the skill gap through continuously updated educational content. He explained that the project connects practical, educational, and business sectors, utilizing foreign and local partners—including Swedish universities—to benchmark against international standards and the National Qualifications Framework.
Dr. John Henry Hanna, Acting President of Beni Suef Technological University, noted that the project aims to integrate modern skills such as artificial intelligence, data analysis, and problem-solving into technological education. He revealed that the first curriculum for the garment sector is targeted for completion by June 2027, with potential future expansion into automotive, computer, and air conditioning sectors. Furthermore, Dr. Ahmed Saeed Sweilem, Director of the Center of Educational Excellence at Ain Shams University, highlighted that curriculum development cannot happen in isolation from manufacturers, emphasizing the need for sustainable partnerships between technical institutes and industrial companies.
