Minister of Employment and Vocational Training Oversees Meeting to Boost Leather and Footwear Sector
The Minister of Employment and Vocational Training, Riad Chaoud, supervised a working session on February 5, 2025, with Akram Belhadj, President of the National University of Leather and Footwear, and Wajdi Thoeb, President of the National Chamber of Footwear Artisans, as well as several representatives from ministerial structures responsible for vocational training. Several decisions were made to improve training in the leather and footwear sector.
Among these decisions, it was decided to:
- Simplify the examination procedure for the professional aptitude certificate
- Establish a mixed working committee between the ministry and the University of Leather
- Provide a list of required skills by companies by the end of February 2025, with a commitment to integrate graduates into the sector
- Adapt training programs to meet the needs of companies and ensure accommodation and scholarships for trainees
The meeting delved into the challenges facing the leather and footwear sector, including a decline in production in recent years, largely due to the closure of many active enterprises in this field. Additionally, the reluctance of young people to pursue training in these specialties remains a major obstacle to the sector's growth. Mr. Akram Belhadj highlighted these challenges and proposed solutions, including the implementation of short-term training programs and complementary courses for artisans and industrialists to meet the growing needs of the market.
These measures aim to relaunch production and competitiveness in the sector, while facilitating the integration of young people into the workforce. The ministry, in collaboration with the National University of Leather and Footwear, is committed to ensuring the quality of training, strengthening professional integration for young people, and supporting the sector in overcoming its difficulties.
