The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has teamed up with Hyundai Rotem to enhance the applied skills of young people in Egypt by providing certified training in the maintenance of transport infrastructure and rolling stock.

The training was delivered in five batches to 80 young women and men under the EBRD-Rotem programme, focusing on topics related to the maintenance of rolling stock for Cairo Metro Line-II. 

Trainee Sarah Ahmed exceeded the expectations of her trainers, discovered a passion for the sector and hopes to secure a job offer shortly. She said: “Being in the workshop boosted my confidence to work in a sector dominated by men and gave me new skills to complement my studies. I’ve applied for a job in the rolling stock sector and very much look forward to a future career in this key sector for Egypt.” 

The hybrid curriculum blended theoretical, classroom-based studies with more practical, on-site training. The structure enabled the trainees to acquire relevant skills and hands-on experience of rolling-stock management, preparing them for employment in asset-intensive sectors such as the metro, railways and transport utility industry.

Ahmed Maher Zaki, another young trainee, said: “The training was very useful on a personal level to develop my knowledge about a profession I’m passionate about. As we learned about preventive maintenance for trains, this will certainly open up new job opportunities for me.”

The scope of the training was devised by Hyundai Rotem, in combination with international and local trainers, to ensure the use of best international practice in the sector. Trainees receive a certificate once they have completed their training and passed a written examination.

The Cairo Metro Line-II purchase of trains project is a major infrastructure initiative, financed by the EBRD. In 2016, the bank signed a loan agreement for up to €100 million for the purchase of six air-conditioned trains and two locomotives to be operated on the Cairo Metro Line II. The Bank’s financing was earmarked for the purchase of rolling stock, including spare parts and maintenance equipment, but also came with an important commitment from the Egyptian authorities to support a youth training programme in the first 18 months of implementing the maintenance contract.

Hyundai Rotem is a South Korean manufacturing company and part of the Hyundai Motor Group.

Egypt is a founding member of the EBRD. Since the start of its operations there in 2012, the Bank has invested €9.8 billion in the country through 152 projects.