A source in the technical education sector reported that enrollment of 2025 middle‑school graduates in post‑preparatory petroleum schools has risen by about 20% compared to last year, amid expectations of further growth as energy projects expand and the infrastructure for fuel stations and maritime transport improves.

Selection Criteria
Labor‑market outlook: Experts estimate a need for some 35,000 new petroleum and petrochemicals technicians over the next five years.
Competitive salaries: Entry‑level wages range from EGP 4,000 to 6,000 per month, with the potential to rise for graduates who earn accredited specialty certificates.

Program Structure
Years 1 & 2: Core courses in mathematics, physics, and chemistry, accompanied by hands‑on workshop applications.
Year 3: 60% of the time is devoted to field training in partnership with oil and gas companies and marine terminals.
Professional Accreditation Certificate: Awarded at the end of the third year, with the option to add extra training hours for those interested in the engineering‑equivalence program.
Available Pathways
Admission to Technological Colleges: Including specialized colleges of petroleum, chemistry, and maritime transport.
Engineering‑Equivalence Programs: Reduce the length of an engineering degree from five years to three by crediting technical experience.
Advanced Positions: After at least two years of practical experience, graduates can apply for roles such as Production Supervisor or Quality Controller in industrial facilities.

Challenges & Concerns
Admission pressure: Limited branches lead to overcrowding, which may prompt some schools to lower their quality standards.
Training‑quality disparity: Workshop and lab standards vary by governorate, raising concerns about unequal opportunities for graduates.
Additional costs: Some branches impose extra fees for materials and equipment on top of standard tuition.

Expert Perspective
Dr. Ahmed Mansour, Professor of Technical Education at Helwan University, says:

“Accreditation standards must be unified across all schools, and an annual evaluation mechanism involving the industrial sector should be activated to ensure every new graduate truly possesses the required skills.”

This disparity and easing of standards threaten both the reputation and the future prospects of graduates.

Pros and Cons
Pros:
A variety of technical specializations (petroleum, maritime, computing, etc.)
Field‑based practical training in collaboration with oil and gas companies
Rapid employment pathways and competitive salaries
Options to continue studies at technological colleges or via engineering equivalency
Cons:
Higher fees compared to other technical schools
Overcrowded classes due to a limited number of branches
Inconsistent workshop and lab quality between governorates
Additional fees for materials and equipment in some branches

Summary
Many middle‑school graduates are drawn to post‑preparatory petroleum schools for their hands‑on training and swift job opportunities. However, the sector’s rapid expansion underscores an urgent need to strengthen infrastructure and enforce consistent quality standards—otherwise, disparities and lowered requirements could undermine graduates’ reputations and career prospects.