Techtex Webinar: New perspectives for skill development in the technical textile sector in Morocco

On November 27, 2024, the TECHTEX partner OFPPT supported by C2TM, ESITH and GIAC held a pivotal webinar to present and validate [NH1] the macrostructure and microstructure of the new developed training Curriculum of Textile Engineering and Textile Technology studies at VET level, marking a significant milestone in the project’s mission to advance technical textiles education and industry alignment in Morocco.

The event, part of TECHTEX project, an Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Vocational Education (CB VET) programme, brought together stakeholders from Morocco and Europe to discuss the project's objectives, achievements, and vision. Representing five countries, the consortium includes leading academic and industrial partners such as Ege University (Turkey), Tèxtils.CAT Cluster (Spain), UNIWA (Greece), CIAPE Training Center (Italy), and Moroccan institutions like C2TM, GIAC, ESITH, and OFPPT.

Key Topics Discussed

The webinar highlighted the significant economic potential of Morocco’s textile sector, which employs over 200,000 people and contributes 34% to national industrial production. However, technical textiles, which account for only 12% of the sector, present a growth opportunity through innovation and advanced training.

Findings from industry and educational institution surveys underscore the urgent need for expertise in textile engineering, sustainable materials, and advanced manufacturing technologies. While recommendations emphasized practical, industry-aligned training and the adoption of innovative methodologies such as flipped classrooms and MOOCs.

In this framework, the project objectives were explained:

• The TECHTEX project aims to modernize Morocco’s vocational training system by developing 20 cutting-edge modules focused on sustainability, digitalization, and green innovation.
  • Training-of-trainer programs in Europe will ensure knowledge transfer and build local capacity.
  • Pilot courses will be implemented at the Moroccan institutions to test the curriculum.

Techtex Curriculum Highlights

The Curriculum developed for the TECHTEX project is structured to address the specific needs of the technical textiles sector in Morocco, aligning with sustainability, innovation, and industry requirements. 

The Curriculum comprises 20 training modules organized to cover three primary focus areas:

The curriculum employs innovative teaching methods to enhance learning and practical application:

• Flipped Classroom: Students study theoretical concepts independently and engage in interactive, practical sessions during class.
• Project-Based Learning: Students work on real-world projects that align with industry needs.
• MOOCs: Online modules ensure accessibility and scalability.

• Industry Collaboration: Partnerships with textile companies for hands-on training.

  

Strategic Vision

The project addresses local and global market demands, aligning with Morocco’s industrial acceleration plan and international competitiveness goals. A digital platform will support learning, fostering collaboration between industry and training institutions.

The project coordinator Professor Arzu Marmarali, from Ege University, , emphasized the transformative potential of the initiative: “TECHTEX is designed to bridge the gap between academic training and industrial needs, equipping Morocco’s workforce with the skills to thrive in a competitive, sustainable future.”

Rachida Idamia, International Relations Officer at OFPPT, reinforced the sector’s importance: “By aligning vocational training with industry demands, this project will strengthen Morocco’s technical textiles industry, enhancing both local employability and export potential.”

Partners aim to finalize the curriculum by mid-2025 and scale its implementation. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and capacity building, TECHTEX aims to contribute to the growth of high-value technical textiles market in Morocco.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.