A look at the country’s summer training initiatives for students

Summer training initiatives are on the rise: The CIT Ministry is working to enhance technical training among students to better prepare them for the needs of the labor market. The upgraded summer training program for university students recently launched by the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) plays a part in this initiative to position Egypt as a global hub for IT and cross-border services.

The private sector is stepping up: The ministry has partnered with the National Telecommunications Institute (NTI) and Motorola distributor Systel to provide summer training for university students. This program aims to bridge the gap between education and market needs by offering specialized, comprehensive courses that align with the ICT industry. The government is aiming to make Egypt a go-to destination for international tech firms seeking expansion, which is already taking shape with the various tech companies investing in the country, ITIDA CEO Ahmed Elzaher told EnterpriseAM.

DATA POINT- Over 760k graduates enter Egypt’s job market each year, including some 50k ICT grads, 171k who studied finance and accounting, and 21k grads in STEM-related fields, Elzaher said. Around 80% of the workforce speaks at least one foreign language, giving Egypt a competitive edge in global service delivery.

Meeting market demand: The summer program was revamped to include 120 hours of training — 90 hours of technical instruction and 30 hours on soft skills to match the needs of employers. The program has also expanded to accommodate more students due to strong demand in previous years. Elzaher emphasized the significance of Egypt’s young talent as a competitive advantage, adding that upgrading the summer training initiatives ensures a workforce that can innovate and attract investments.

What does the program offer? The training program covers a number of in-demand tracks — cybersecurity, software development, UI/UX design, AI and data analysis, cloud computing, systems administration, electronics, digital arts, and digital marketing.

Who qualifies? Students coming from the faculties of engineering, computer science, business information systems, media, fine arts, applied arts, and art education are eligible to apply. The program is targeting some 10k students this year, with applicants also gaining access to discounted international certifications through NTI, reaching up to 70% off exam and certification fees.

That’s not all: ITIDA and Systel are also offering a tech training program for 250 students, which includes 120 hours of training across two tracks — 90 hours of technical instruction in fiber optics, broadband communication, surveillance systems, and satellite communication and 30 hours of soft skills development. The program is free and open to university students across the country in their first, second, or third year.

School students are not left out: The ministry also launched a summer training program under the Digital Egypt Cubs Initiative to boost younger students’ skills when it comes to digital technologies, initiative Executive Director Walid Al Engbawy told EnterpriseAM, adding that applications are now open.

The details: The program is open to middle and high school students who scored over 90% in English, math, or science in the previous academic year. Those accepted into the program receive intensive training and a certificate, qualifying them for more advanced levels of the initiative. The ministry expects to expand the number of students enrolled this year, depending on application volume and partner capacity, Al Engbawy said.