Luxor – The U.S. Government, in collaboration with the Luxor Tourism School, celebrated the launch of the school’s new employment and training units today.  The units will increase students’ chances of finding fulfilling careers upon graduation.

“We believe that technical education is an important step on the path to employment for students, and to greater competitiveness for the tourism industry,” said Dr. Mary C. Ott, USAID Director in Egypt.  “With these improvements in the quality of education at the Tourism School, students will be better prepared to contribute to the resurgence of the tourism industry in Luxor.” 

The U.S. government’s Agency for International Development (USAID) supports employment and training units in 25 technical schools in eight governorates, spanning key sectors from ready-made garments to tourism. The units were established in response to employers’ concerns that today’s graduates do not have the required skills for today’s job market.  To date, the employment units have helped over 6,400 youth nationwide get jobs. The Luxor employment and training units have already established strong links with hotel and travel agent associations and have secured on-the-job training opportunities for 300 students, as well as jobs for 52 graduates.  

This initiative is part of USAID’s country-wide strategy to increase productivity and employability of Egypt’s youth.  The U.S. Government promotes a globally competitive, educated, innovative human resources-based economy benefiting Egyptians equitably.  A generation of career-educated graduates who possess the right skills for today’s job market will help bridge the current gap between education and employment needs.