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The result of several months of field and library research, this study examines the extent by which vocational training programmes are effective in increasing workforce employability in the Egyptian context. The fact that informal vocational training remains widely common in Egypt developed the interest to explore which type of training has better outcomes on laborers. The research highlights the importance of vocational training as a vital tool for poverty alleviation, in addition to comparing the status of informally and formally- trained workers and examining which type of training improves their living and working conditions. The research provides answers to a number of questions including; what is the importance of vocational training in the process of development?; what are the major differences between formal and informal training methods?; which type of training is more efficient in creating employability?; and others. The study was further illustrated by a case study in which the efficiency and effectiveness of a selected vocational training programme that was conducted in a poor area in Cairo was examined.

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Wafeya A. El-Shinnawy attained her B.A. in Political Science, with a specialization in Political Economy, from the American University in Cairo in 2003 and has been working in community development with various development organizations. She received her M.A degree in Professional Development in 2008 from the American University of Cairo.

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