The CESE Calls for Urgent Reform of the Continuing Education System in the Private Sector
The Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE) is advocating for an urgent and profound reform of the continuing education system in the private sector in Morocco. It also recommends the creation of an independent national body responsible for overseeing and governing this system.
In a public report, the Council provides a comprehensive overview of the current framework, highlighting its achievements, but more importantly, its structural limitations that hinder its effectiveness and impact on the job market.
Underutilization of Existing Resources
Despite the existence of an institutional framework and dedicated funding mechanisms, participation in continuing education remains very limited. In 2022, only 1,647 companies benefited from special training contracts, out of nearly 315,000 contributing companies, representing less than 0.5%.
The CESE also points out the exclusion of many categories of workers, particularly the self-employed, as well as the limited recognition of skills acquired through professional experience.
Persistent Structural Issues
The report highlights several major constraints, including the complexity of administrative procedures, the lengthy reimbursement times considered excessive, and the geographical concentration of training offerings, primarily in large cities such as Casablanca.
These limitations exacerbate territorial inequalities and particularly penalize very small, small, and medium-sized enterprises (TPMEs).
Toward Independent Governance of the System
The CESE recommends the adoption of a new public policy that acknowledges continuing education as a right for workers and a shared responsibility between the state and employers.
It proposes the establishment of an independent national body from OFPPT with a tripartite governance structure involving the state, employers, and social partners, aimed at improving coordination and efficiency within the system.
A Dedicated Fund and a Unified National Digital Platform
Among the main recommendations is the allocation of 30% of the professional training tax to a fund dedicated to continuing education, managed by the future body.
The CESE also advocates for the creation of a unified national digital platform designed to streamline administrative processes, shorten processing times, and enhance the transparency of the system.
Modernizing Offerings and Enhancing Equity
Finally, the Council calls for the modernization of training formats, particularly by integrating distance learning, hybrid options, and short courses, to better accommodate the constraints faced by the workforce.
The CESE believes that this reform is crucial for strengthening human capital, improving the competitiveness of the national economy, and ensuring more equitable access to continuing education.
