Opinion: In an opinion, the CESE considers that the reform of the continuing training system, which is urgently needed, should be part of a structured public policy. The implementation of this policy should be entrusted to a national body independent of the OFPPT.
The Economic, Social and Environmental Council (EESC) has published its opinion entitled “Continuing training in the private sector: an emergency reform to facilitate access for workers and businesses”. Despite the numerous advances, the CESE notes that the continuing training system remains confronted with structural inadequacies which limit access to the systems and reduce their equity as well as their scope. The use of training schemes remains very limited: in 2022, only 1,647 companies benefited from special training contracts (CSF) out of nearly 315,000 contributing companies, or less than 0.5%. Self-employed and self-employed workers are largely excluded, the system being conditional on affiliation with the CNSS.
Recognition of skills acquired through experience also remains limited. Indeed, since 2008, only 1,488 people have been certified, while almost half of the employed population has no diploma. Furthermore, the offer of qualified training remains highly concentrated geographically, with a limited number of approved organizations (82 organizations and 327 experts), mainly located in Casablanca, which accentuates territorial disparities. The Council considers that the reform of the continuing training system, which is urgently needed, should be part of a structured public policy, enshrining continuing training as a right for employees and all workers. The implementation of this public policy should be entrusted to a national body independent of the OFPPT, with regional relays, in order to ensure the coherence and effectiveness of the system, while clarifying the responsibilities between the different stakeholders.
The CESE has issued several recommendations in response to the weaknesses observed. Thus, the CESE calls for accelerating the revision of Law No. 60-17 in order to establish the permanent administrative structure (SAP) provided for by this pending law dedicated to continuing training and the promotion of experience and skills and independent of the OFPPT. This body will have a tripartite composition balanced between representatives of public authorities, employers and social partners. The Council recommends guaranteeing the effective allocation of 30% of the professional training tax (TFP) to the financing of continuing training actions, through the creation of a fund dedicated to continuing training, the management, mobilization and development of resources would be ensured by the proposed body.
The EESC also suggests deploying an integrated national digital platform covering the entire life cycle of training actions. The objective is to simplify administrative procedures and reduce reimbursement times for businesses. It is also recommended to establish a certification and accreditation system for training centers and to implement the national benchmark for validating acquired professional experience, the development of which will be entrusted to the aforementioned national body, through operational guides setting out programs, curricula and evaluation criteria by sectors and levels of training.
