ACCES, MOROCCO

In Morocco, there is a rapidly growing need for well-trained, certified truck drivers to strengthen its position as a regional transport hub. However, safety and security on the road remain a major challenge: in 2019, over 100,000 road-related accidents occurred, killing over 3,000 people. The Moroccan government has therefore placed a high priority on road safety, as it contributes to fewer accidents and mitigating their negative socio-economic impact.

As part of its overall strategy, Morocco has stressed the importance of providing training programs for truck and bus drivers that include not only the technical and professional skills needed to ensure responsible and safe driving practices.

ACCES (Académie de Conduite de Camions En Sécurité) was created in 2018 to respond to this demand. Located within an existing vocational training center in the industrial capital of Casablanca, ACCES is a training hub providing specialized training in driving buses and trucks to professional drivers as well as Moroccan youth interested in pursuing a career in the road transport sector. Over the next four years (2018-2022). ACCES aims to train around 500 professional drivers in a wide range of critical subjects, such as safe and fuel-efficient driving for different types of trucks and buses. As a result, ACCES seeks to contribute to the objectives of the Moroccan government by upgrading the skills of professional drivers while strengthening the employability of Moroccan youth in the transport sector.

ACCES is the result of a partnership between the Government of Morocco, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Volvo Group, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). Training vehicles, equipment, and teacher training are provided by Volvo Group. Volvo Trucks, Volvo Buses and Renault Trucks are all cooperating on the training