On April 26, 2024, the Bach Hamba Training Centre in Sfax, Tunisia, celebrated a significant milestone with its first graduation ceremony under the SIFA FC-supported License Training Centre Project. This landmark event marked the culmination of training for 52 TVET graduates who are now certified technicians and high technicians in industrial maintenance and equipment repair, specializing in mobile hydraulics, pneumatics, and mechatronics technologies.
The ceremony was a testament to the collaborative efforts between various esteemed entities. Key representatives from AUDA-NEPAD, KfW, Bosch Rexroth, the Tunisian Vocational Training Agency (ATFP), the Tunisian Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training, local government officials, and leaders from the Training Centre attended, highlighting the importance of this initiative in advancing technical and vocational education in Tunisia and the region.
Graduates have emerged now equipped with critical technical skills and certifications that significantly enhanced their employability. With industrial maintenance being fundamental across various sectors, these graduates now have a wide array of employment opportunities. In the age of Industry 4.0, industries are increasingly demanding such specialized skills, making these graduates vital to the workforce. One graduate expressed the program's transformative impact, stating, "I enrolled in the TVET centre to receive training, and that has allowed me to get a job immediately."
The License Training Centre Project, a partnership between Bosch Rexroth and the Tunisian Vocational Training Agency (ATFP), exemplifies a successful private-public collaboration. Bach Hamba Training Centre stands out as the sole training institution in North Africa accredited by Bosch Rexroth for specialized industrial maintenance and equipment repair training. This accreditation positions the centre as a regional hub, enabling both young trainees and industry professionals to upgrade their skills with the latest Industry 4.0 technologies. The project’s innovative certification offering, especially through short course training, the project helps the workforce stay ahead in meeting technological advancement demands.
This first graduation ceremony not only celebrates the achievements of the graduates but also underscores the critical role of vocational training in driving economic growth in Tunisia, the region, and the African continent. The success of this moment highlights the significant impact of vocational training in Africa, inspiring continued efforts to enhance youth employment and ensuring that the next generation is prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of the modern workforce.
