Towards safer training in construction and maintenance in Tunisia: launch of the harmonization of occupational health and safety training modules

TUNIS, Tunisia (ILO News) – In the construction and public works sectors, as well as in maintenance, where occupational risks are among the highest, occupational health and safety (OSH) is a priority. Ensuring worker safety goes beyond providing protective equipment: it primarily requires robust training that teaches the right reflexes, the standards to be respected, and a genuine culture of prevention.

© ILO

© ILO

With this in mind, and in order to better prepare young people for successful integration into the national and international job market — as part of mobility programs to Italy (construction sector) and Germany (maintenance) — a process to harmonize OSH training modules has been launched. This initiative is part of the THAMM Plus project, implemented by the ILO and funded by the European Union, in partnership with the Tunisian Agency for Vocational Training (ATFP) and the National Center for Training of Trainers and Training Engineering (CENAFFIF). The aim is to align educational content with international standards, in particular ILO Conventions No. 155 and No. 187, while improving the quality and effectiveness of training in the sectors concerned.

A Dynamic Launch Workshop

The first tangible step in this process was marked by the organization of a workshop on June 30 and July 1, 2025, in Hammamet. The workshop brought together teaching teams from ATFP and CENAFFIF, institutional representatives, a national OSH expert, and the ILO's regional OSH specialist. It provided an opportunity to:

• Presented ILO standards on occupational safety and health;
• Analyzed existing educational content in the construction and maintenance sectors;
• Identified gaps in relation to international standards;
• Launched a collective effort to co-draft a harmonized reference framework;
• Developed a draft roadmap for the rest of the process.

© ILO

© ILO

The two national coordinators of the THAMM Plus project supported the group work, ensuring synergy between the roadmap developed and the project's objectives.

© ILO

© ILO

Occupational safety and health is a challenge taken up by all tripartite stakeholders in the world of work and a responsibility shared by all

Aida Lamloum, Technical Spec, Occupational Safety and Health, ILO

A Partnership Approach to Harmonization and Excellence in Vocational Training

The participants agreed on the need for a structured and concerted approach. A joint ATFP/ILO/CENAFFIF technical working group was set up to steer the next steps, including the development of innovative teaching materials and the training of trainers in OSH content.

© ILO

© ILO

This initiative marks a tangible step towards safer, more coherent vocational training that complies with international standards, while meeting the requirements of professional mobility pathways. It illustrates the commitment of the THAMM Plus project partners to building dignified, safe, and high-quality career paths for young Tunisians, both in Tunisia and abroad.