Algeria plans to open more than 285,000 new vocational training places starting February 15, 2026, as authorities seek to address persistently high youth unemployment and improve workforce skills, officials said Friday.
The initiative, announced by Fouad Khettal, director of studies at the Ministry of Vocational Training and Education, will expand workplace-based apprenticeships, residential training, and specialized courses for underrepresented groups. Authorities expect 57,000 apprentices to benefit from on-the-job training, while residential training centers will add more than 32,000 places. Evening classes and tailored programmes are also planned for homemakers, rural residents, people with disabilities, and recipients of unemployment benefits.
“The new programme aims to strengthen technical skills critical for economic competitiveness, linking training directly to labor market needs,” Khettal said. “It combines classroom instruction with practical experience in economic enterprises and emphasizes innovation and entrepreneurship through centers of excellence in strategic sectors.”
Algeria faces considerable pressure in its labor market, particularly for young people. According to World Bank-modeled data, unemployment among 15- to 24-year-olds reached 29.7 percent in 2024, while the National Statistics Office (ONS) reported an overall unemployment rate of 9.7 percent for the same year.
The government has intensified efforts to modernize the vocational training system. During the October 2025 intake, nearly 385,000 new trainees and apprentices were enrolled nationwide, reflecting the scale of the country’s training infrastructure. The 2026 expansion aims to broaden access and better align training programmes with the evolving needs of Algeria’s economy.
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Authorities are emphasizing practical experience as a core element of the strategy. By expanding apprenticeships within workplaces and reinforcing connections between training institutions and industry, the government seeks to improve employability and reduce the transition gap between education and professional work.
The programme also underscores a focus on inclusivity, targeting groups traditionally underrepresented in the workforce. Specialized courses for rural populations, homemakers, and people with special needs are designed to ensure broader participation in the economy and encourage entrepreneurship at the community level.
Officials said the approach includes the creation of professional training networks and centers of excellence in strategic sectors, aiming to develop a skilled workforce capable of supporting Algeria’s economic diversification. Authorities view the initiative as a crucial step in preparing youth for emerging opportunities in industry, technology, and service sectors.
Economic analysts noted that vocational training expansion could play a key role in addressing long-term structural unemployment, which remains a challenge in Algeria despite sustained economic growth. “By equipping young people with technical skills and practical experience, the government can improve employment prospects and support economic competitiveness,” said a labor market expert in Algiers.
The February 2026 intake is part of Algeria’s broader strategy to modernize its education and training sector, linking human capital development with national economic priorities. Authorities are also promoting partnerships between training centers and private enterprises to facilitate smoother integration of graduates into the labor market.
With youth unemployment continuing to outpace overall national rates, the government’s emphasis on practical, skills-based training reflects a commitment to combining education with economic opportunity, while expanding access for marginalized groups. Officials said the programme represents a key pillar of Algeria’s long-term plan to strengthen workforce readiness, reduce reliance on public-sector employment, and promote inclusive growth.
