Over the past year, People 1st International has been working with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Hassan Allam Holdings (HAH) to establish a dedicated new training facility – the Hassan Allam Vocational Academy.

Designed to support the skills development needs of HAH’s 34,000 employees in Egypt and the MENA Region, the Academy is planned to deliver both foundational education and training for entry-level staff and continuing education and training for their current workforce to upgrade skills in line with emerging market needs.

During phase one of the project, we completed an assessment of the company’s human capital needs; defined an operable business model; and established the working materials needed to launch the new Academy. Training was also implemented for Eden Facility Management to prepare their team to work at the new Grand Egyptian Museum.

To move the concept forward into a reality, People 1st International has now been contracted to provide expertise for phase two of the project – establishing the new Academy and delivering market-relevant vocational learning and accreditation to young people throughout the local area.

This second phase of work will see our team provide expert guidance and support across a range of areas including:

• Providing advice and guidance for the Academy set up including supporting the development of a business plan and sustainability plan and facilitating partnerships with local stakeholders
• Developing a 5-day training and coaching programme for middle managers
• Delivery of a Train the Trainer session covering:
• How to write targeted technical training programmes
• How to use standard operating practices when training and assessing performance
• Developing an induction training programme for construction workforce with a module on working internationally

Speaking of the continued partnership and vision of the project, Jane Rexworthy, Executive Director of People 1st International said:

“We’re excited to continue working in partnership with EBRD and HAH on this project. Excellent progress has already been made to develop the skills of the workforce and we’ve been impressed with the level of commitment and passion within the business to meet the objectives of this second phase.

“Once fully established, the Academy has a huge potential to support employability of young Egyptians through high quality vocational skills training to meet the needs of the HAH. It will also help further develop the skills of the current workforce and instil a culture of lifelong learning. Collectively this will facilitate access to jobs and skills, helping to foster economic inclusion.”