The British Council has been supporting Morocco since 2010 in updating and internationalising its technical and vocational education and training (TVET) system through various projects that help it become more responsive to labour market needs, making significant strides in improving employability, adaptability, and competitiveness.
The cooperation began with the Skills for Employability Programme, followed by the EU-funded Kafaat Liljamia programme, and, more recently, the Going Global Programme TVET. Over the past 15 years, the British Council has been working together with local and international partners to expand access to TVET programmes. Such programmes are becoming more important than ever, especially for emerging economies such as Morocco, which has made TVET a national priority. These efforts have made it more resilient and responsive to economic and social developments in today’s increasingly globalised world.
Meeting the growing global demand for renewable energy
The Going Global Partnerships TVET programme, is being implemented since 2021 by the British Council in partnership with the Ministry ’s Department of Vocational Education, the Office for Vocational Training (OFPPT) and Institutes of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Training (IFMEREE). The programme aims to support in the development of a vocational education system in Morocco that can meet the increasing skills requirements and industry needs of the green economy in Morocco and the UK. It encompasses curriculum development, trainer capacity building, and institutional strengthening – all aimed at supporting the green transition goals of both countries.
The programme has equipped more than 30 trainers and 5 institute leaders with the latest skills and resources, improving the learning outcomes for over 1,000 students. By sharing resources, such as curriculum guides for innovative delivery methods supported by Devon and Cornwall Training Provider Network (DCTPN), quality assurance toolkits developed by South Eastern Regional College in Northern Ireland through Project-Based Learning, introduction to green hydrogen technologies by Petroc College in Devon and various best practices, the British Council has helped Moroccan training institutions align their programmes with international industry standards. The UK colleges helped update and enrich the renewable energy curricula at IFMEREE by introducing innovative approaches and knowledge, which has since been shared widely across the three institutes.
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the renewable energy sector had a total of 16.2 million jobs globally in 2023, up from 13.7 million in 2022. This rising trend is expected to continue as more governments embrace renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions to mitigate the negative effects of climate change.
The importance of industry-driven partnerships
Strengthening the TVET sector needs a comprehensive approach that ensures both quality and relevance, in which industry-driven partnerships play a crucial transformative role. For example, the cross-sector cooperation between Lincoln College Air & Space Institute in the UK, the Moroccan Institute for Aeronautics (IMA), and the Moroccan Aeronautics Business Association (GIMAS) has driven specialised skills development in aeronautics, one of Morocco’s high-growth industries.
By working closely together, organisations can co-develop industry-relevant curricula, provide technical expertise, and facilitate internships and apprenticeships that offer students practical, hands-on experience with real-world industry practices. This is especially important in emerging sectors such as aeronautics and green energy, where there is a need for advanced training programmes tailored to future workforce needs.
Building resilience to changing market needs
For TVET programmes to remain relevant, credible, and effective, it’s important for partners to support regular curriculum reviews to reflect technological innovations and sector-specific requirements. Additionally, TVET providers need to create comprehensive quality assurance mechanisms, such as employer feedback loops, graduate tracer studies, and institutional performance evaluations, which foster continuous improvement and alignment with evolving market needs.
Sustainability is another important consideration for TVET programmes, not just in the renewable energy field. Building on the British Council’s Greening TVET self-assessment tool, partners can help integrate environmental sustainability principles into curricula across all sectors. Through this approach, learners will be prepared for the demands of a green economy, including the various competencies and sustainable practices necessary in diverse industries.
Opportunities to strengthen TVET programmes
Through its extensive experience working with TVET programmes in Morocco and in other countries, the British Council has identified several opportunities where programmes can be improved, including enhancing coordination among diverse stakeholders. Furthermore, vocational training can be made more attractive to potential learners by better showcasing its potential for professional success, shifting traditional perceptions that prioritise academic careers over skilled trades. Quality improvement efforts, including skills certification and employer engagement, will ensure that graduates are well-prepared for the workforce. And, lastly, promoting greater inclusion, particularly for youth from rural areas and other underserved communities, will support broader access to TVET opportunities that contribute to social equity and development of individuals, their families, and their communities.
By Alexandra Balafrej, Country Director & North Africa Cluster Arts Lead
Alexandra Balafrej joined the British Council in December 2022 to foster connections, understanding, and trust between Morocco and the United Kingdom, enhancing access to the UK’s language, education, and cultural assets.
Following an early career in the private sector in Paris, Alexandra spent three years in Australia, advancing fundraising and communications for a prominent public organisation. She has now lived in Morocco for over two decades, where she has worked on numerous USAID- and MCC-funded initiatives focused on education, youth employability, and civil society engagement. She also led a Morocco-based private arts foundation for two years.
As an international consultant for organisations including UNESCO, UNCTAD, and the European Union, Alexandra has provided strategic technical assistance to projects and government initiatives across West Africa, Europe, Egypt, Ukraine, and Vietnam.
She holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from Sciences-Po Paris and is fluent in English, French, Moroccan Arabic, and Russian.
