Egypt Egyptian German Technical Academy bridges skills gap in the energy sector to fulfil labour market needs

North Africa
Energy Education & Training
Classic
GIZ

Egypt has strong ambitions to actively harness its energy resources and export electricity to regional neighbours and Europe. Siemens Energy supports this vision, leveraging over 120 years of strong partnership and presence in the country. The cooperation with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on workforce development has led to the establishment of the Egyptian German Technical (EGT) Academy in the Sokhna Industrial Zone, located within the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE).

To date, this academy has trained over 6,000 professionals across a diverse range of training programs in industry-specific areas such as energy, industrial automation and welding while providing core training in mechanical, electrical, and automation engineering, as well as certifications in e.g. renewable energy, health and safety. The academy also provides customizable courses that cover technical topics and skills needed to thrive in today’s workplaces. In this way, Siemens Energy and GIZ are closing a gap in the growing energy industry and creating career prospects for one of the youngest populations in the world.

The project was funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) under the develoPPP programme.

Egypt is striving to diversify its economy by capitalizing on emerging market opportunities. With its strategic location and abundant renewable energy sources, the country is actively laying the groundwork to become a future exporter of electricity and green hydrogen amid soaring regional energy demand.

To meet this objective, Egypt needs to bridge the gap between industry and academia as well as increase the number of skilled professionals, including technicians and engineers.

To support this goal, Siemens Energy and GIZ cooperated on the establishment of the EGT Academy, aiming to develop needed workforce capabilities by combining structured theoretical instruction with intensive practical training in a real industrial environment. The project draws on Siemens Energy’s global expertise in energy technologies and solutions, as well as the training centre’s proximity to Siemens Energy’s Service Centre, to provide trainees with continuous access to the latest practices and technologies in the energy sector. This approach cultivates technical competence, innovation, and adaptability to meet the demands of the rapidly changing sector.

From August 2017 to July 2024 Siemens Energy and GIZ implemented the following measures with a project volume of 17 million euros:

  • Building up a state-of-the-art training centre for professionals in the energy sector at a strategically located site within the Sokhna Industrial Zone in Ain Sokhna.
  • Development of market-orientated training units, providing tailored courses designed to help trainees excel in today’s workplace, including leadership skills for females in the energy sector and empowering people with disabilities.
  • Training of teachers for the EGT Academy and of certified master trainers for other technical educational institutions in the Technical Master Trainer Programme, a fully funded one-year programme designed to develop a future pool of qualified trainers.

GIZ supported the project in areas such as networking with partner organizations, evaluation and the development and implementation of a communications strategy.

Together, we have broadened and diversified the skill sets of trainees from across the region. We are committed to building on this strong foundation by expanding the academy’s technical and vocational programmes.
Ashraf Hamasa, Managing Director, Siemens Energy Egypt
Trainee at the academy. Photo: © Siemens Energy
Instruction at the academy. Photo: © Siemens Energy

To date, over 6,000 professionals have been trained at EGT Academy across various customizable programmes in industry-specific areas such as energy and industrial automation, providing core training in mechanical, electrical, and automation engineering.

  • The training at EGT Academy is ISO-certified and addresses topics like decarbonisation, renewables, wind, and health and safety.
  • 55 expert trainers have been qualified in the first year, among them today’s female leader of the academy.
  • New employment opportunities were created within the EGT Academy itself.
  • 19 trainees have completed the pilot training programme for empowering persons with disabilities.

DEVELOPMENT SUCCESSES

Over 6,000 graduates have completed the training at EGT-Academy

Introduction of contemporary expertise into the Egyptian educational system

19 trainees have completed the pilot training programme for empowering persons with disabilities

BUSINESS SUCCESSES

Siemens Energy can draw on the pool of EGT graduates as trained specialists in the energy sector

Modern training centre with excellent learning conditions, open to other companies in the region

Siemens Energy can provide its customers with training on how to maintain and operate technical equipment

develoPPP Classic

develoPPP Classic is aimed at companies that want to invest sustainably in an emerging market and expand their operational activities locally. Suitable projects receive technical and financial support of up to two million euros in public funding.

Siemens Energy

Siemens Energy is one of the world’s leading energy technology companies, covering nearly the entire energy value chain with its products, solutions, and services. Its wind power subsidiary Siemens Gamesa makes Siemens Energy a global market leader for renewable energies. Siemens Energy employs around 100,000 people worldwide in more than 90 countries.

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GIZ (GmbH)

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a federal enterprise operating in international cooperation for sustainable development and education work for over 50 years. GIZ supports economic development and employment promotion and works with companies to develop strategies for sustainable business.

Rana Mamdouh Head of Siemens Energy Training Centre, Egypt Siemens Energy
Stefan Mueller-Christmann
Stefan Mueller-Christmann Project Manager develoPPP Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH