School 1337 is gaining international recognition for its unconventional approach to tech education. The World Economic Forum (WEF) recently spotlighted the Moroccan institution—founded in 2018 by the OCP Group—in a two-minute video that praises its radical inclusivity and groundbreaking pedagogy. Open to all, regardless of age, academic background, or prior coding experience, 1337 stands out in a global landscape often defined by exclusivity.
Getting in isn’t easy—the selection process is rigorous—but those who pass enter a world unlike any traditional school. There are no lectures, no professors, and no rigid schedules. Instead, students learn by doing, collaborating on projects in a peer-to-peer environment that encourages autonomy and creativity. The four campuses, located in Khouribga, Benguerir, Tétouan, and Rabat, remain open around the clock, every day of the year, allowing for a fluid and self-directed learning experience.
Sabah Derkaoui, an executive at OCP Group, emphasizes the direct impact these students have on real-world industrial challenges. Many contribute to data science and AI projects that help optimize production processes—particularly in the manufacture of phosphoric acid, a key product for OCP. According to Derkaoui, these students aren’t just being trained; they’re solving problems. Their technical skills, innovative mindset, and adaptability make them highly sought-after in a rapidly evolving job market.
For OCP, School 1337 represents a strategic investment in the future. The push toward digital transformation and sustainability is forcing the manufacturing sector to reinvent itself, and that shift demands a new generation of technically skilled workers. By equipping young people with cutting-edge capabilities in fields like software development and data analytics, 1337 helps bridge the gap between industrial needs and human talent.
Beyond preparing students for in-demand careers, the school also helps make those careers more appealing. In a sector that must compete for top talent, 1337 offers an educational model that’s not only effective but inspiring—producing professionals ready to lead innovation from within.
