An experience of young software engineers' employability in the Moroccan offshore industry

Abstract : Last few years, French customers' demand for relocation of part of IT projects has allowed the emergence of an offshore software development industry in Morocco. A network of eight Moroccan universities and the University of Brest has set up a mobility scheme for Moroccan Master students. The OTI programme "Offshoring des Technologies de l'Information" is governed by the strong principle of driving skilled young engineers to the benefit of Morocco economic development. Education in Morocco and France is specialized on the issue of software development. The mobility scheme should help to reduce the socio-cultural distance that is inherent to offshore software projects. Without neglecting the need of the good quality of academic education, the programme success relies also on complementary actions: students' selection in Morocco; welcome and support in France; search, placement and follow-up of internships in France with pre-employment in Morocco. This article presents original points of the programme and an evaluation using criteria related to students' needs, business demand and institutions requirements.