ORT Colleges

What ORT Colleges does

ORT Colleges (מכללות אורט) is Israel's largest technological college network, operating 42 colleges across Israel with 8 main campuses in Karmiel, Tel Aviv, Netanya, Jerusalem, Rehovot, Kiryat Bialik, Kfar Saba, and Tzfat, and serving over 12,000 enrolled students. Founded as part of the global ORT organization with over 70 years of operating history, it provides handasai (engineering technician) diplomas and certificate courses in electrical engineering, electronics, mechanical/mechatronics, software, biotechnology, industrial management, construction, architecture, refrigeration, and PLC programming. The network operates under Mahat (Ministry of Labor) supervision, with seven of its colleges participating in Government Resolution 3419 (2018) and five designated as 'green colleges' with partial curriculum autonomy.

The business model combines government-subsidized tuition under the Mahat framework with employer-sponsored corporate training partnerships. Major corporate partners include Rafael Advanced Defense Systems (co-developed mechatronics program at ORT Braude Karmiel with stipends and guaranteed jobs), Israel Aerospace Industries (machinery engineering programs), Tnuva (internal 'House of Technicians' upskilling program), Siemens Mobility ('Train for the Future' railway electrification track at ORT Rehovot), Elbit Systems, Intel, Iscar, AppsFlyer, and Mobileye. Programs feature hands-on training with industry-standard equipment (SIEMENS S7-1200 PLCs with TIA PORTAL software, LUTRON smart home systems) and international certifications. Reported outcomes include 80% graduate in-field placement and ORT Braude Karmiel achieving a 75.6% diploma rate (highest nationally in 2025).

ORT operates as a non-profit public benefit company (חל"צ) under the legal entity ORT Israel (Registration No. 520017245), with no disclosed outside equity, PE, or VC ownership. The organization has been expanding into the underserved Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) segment with new gender-segregated campuses in Bnei Brak and Beit Shemesh (both 2024), and recently launched an AI Skills certification across engineering programs. Raz Freilich (רז פרויליך) was named incoming CEO, succeeding outgoing CEO Zvika Peleg (צביקה פלג). The network has produced over 100,000 graduates historically.

Name

ORT Colleges

Legal name

ORT Israel (אורט ישראל)

Website

https://c.ort.org.il

Company type

Private

Founded year

1988

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational and Technical Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Computer Training (611420)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Engineering & Technology Institutes (Comprehensive) (EDAHAEAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Technical Universities with Specialized Engineering Domains (EDAHAEAI), Technical Universities with Computing, Data & AI Focus (EDAHAEAK), Vendor/Authorized Certification Training (Microsoft/AWS/Cisco, etc.) (BPAEANAA)

Keywords

• Vocational education
• Engineering technician diplomas
• Technological college training
• Industrial automation courses
• Professional certificate programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Tel Aviv

HQ country

Israel

HQ region

Middle East

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition Fees: Students pay tuition for engineering (handasai) programs, certificate courses, and certificate studies. Programs are government-subsidized under Mahat (מה"ט) supervision with reduced tuition costs for eligible populations.
2. Corporate Training Partnerships: Custom programs developed with employers (Tnuva, Rafael, IAI, Siemens) where companies co-fund training and guarantee employment, generating revenue through tuition and service agreements.
3. Government Funding (Mahat): Seven ORT colleges participate in the national reform (Government Resolution 3419), receiving government oversight and partial funding through the Ministry of Labor's Mahat institute.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

ORT Colleges operates Israel's largest network of technological colleges, delivering government-supervised engineering-technician (handasai) diplomas across 62 study programs at 42 college locations. Programs cover electrical, electronics, software, mechanical/mechatronics, industrial management, architecture, biotechnology, refrigeration/air conditioning, medical instrumentation, water engineering, automotive, and visual communication disciplines. Beyond diplomas, the network offers Technological Reserve (Atuda) tracks for pre-IDF students in grades 13-14, professional certificate courses (electrician certifications, PLC programming, welding), AI Skills certification (TechAtidut), and custom corporate-sponsored training programs co-developed with major Israeli employers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SpeedyTech (ספידטק): Software technician certification program for rapid entry into tech careers
• Lohamim LaHitech (לוחמים להייטק)
• Leshem Shinui (לשם שינוי)
• Maayan (מצוינות)
• TechAtidut (טכנולוגית)

Products and services

• Engineering Technician (Handasai) Diploma Programs Government-subsidized 2-3 year diploma programs awarding the engineering-technician (handasai) credential. Disciplines include electrical, electronics, software, mechanical/mechatronics, industrial/management, architecture/design, biotechnology, refrigeration and air conditioning, water engineering, medical instrumentation, automotive, visual communication, and construction. Designed for Israeli students seeking fast workforce entry without psychometric exams or 4-year university commitment.
• Technological Reserves (Atuda) Programs for Grades 13-14 Pre-IDF technical diploma tracks in software, electronics, mechatronics, machinery, electrical, architecture, industrial/management, and information systems for high-school graduates in grades 13-14. Students earn a handasai diploma alongside IDF service in prestigious technological units. Includes specialty tracks such as Baraket, Sigit/Omega (IDF Intelligence Corps), and Merom Ya'el.
• Professional Certificate Courses Short-cycle certificate programs for working professionals and entrants seeking specific trade credentials. Includes Certified Electrician (חשמלאי מוסמך), Chief Electrician (חשמלאי ראשי), high-voltage facility operation, Siemens PLC programming with Lutron smart-home integration (using S7-1200 with TIA Portal), communications network and cloud infrastructure management, mobile device maintenance, welding course, certified elevator technician, and construction site management.
• SpeedyTech Software Technician Certification Accelerated certification track branded SpeedyTech (ספידטק), offering a focused path to software-technician credentials for rapid entry into technology careers. Designed for individuals seeking compressed time-to-employment in software/tech roles.
• Lohamim LaHitech (Warriors to Hi-Tech) Program Special program at ORT Singalovski Tel Aviv branded Lohamim LaHitech (לוחמים להייטק), combining released IDF soldiers (lohamim) with tech employers for accelerated career placement in Israel's hi-tech sector. Housed at the flagship Tel Aviv college.
• AI Skills Certification (TechAtidut) AI Skills certification (TechAtidut / טכנולוגית) embedded within engineering programs, providing students with artificial intelligence competencies alongside their primary discipline. Includes training on text-based AI tools and generative AI interfaces.
• Rafael Mechatronics Engineering Program Co-developed mechatronics engineering program at ORT Braude Karmiel in partnership with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. Rafael provides monthly living stipend throughout the 17-month program and guarantees employment contracts upon graduation. Operates under the Atidim national framework in cooperation with the Ministry of Defense's Soldier Settlement Authority. A previous similar electronics program achieved 96% diploma rate with full Rafael placement.
• Siemens Mobility Train for the Future Program Co-developed railway-electrification training program at ORT Rehovot with Siemens Mobility. Curriculum co-designed for railway-electrification technicians. Students tour the Ashkelon Siemens facility, receive lectures from company engineers and HR, and undergo job interviews for direct employment pathway upon graduation.
• Tnuva House of Technicians Corporate Training Custom in-house training program developed with Tnuva (תנובה) food manufacturing. Existing Tnuva production workers study machinery engineering during work hours at ORT Braude Karmiel with full tuition covered and salary maintained. Multi-million-shekel investment addressing the national shortage of engineering technicians.
• Haredi College Branch Programs (Bnei Brak / Beit Shemesh) Gender-separated technical diploma tracks delivered at the Haredi Bnei Brak branch (a campus of ORT Singalovski Tel Aviv) and the ORT Jerusalem Beit Shemesh branch. Programs include electronics, software, mechanical engineering (in partnership with IAI), and cyber warfare. Adapted for the Haredi population with religious and cultural accommodations. Approximately 135 Haredi students enrolled initially at Bnei Brak.
• Leshem Shinui Excellence Program Branded excellence and personal-development program Leshem Shinui (לשם שינוי — "For the Sake of Change") at ORT Kiryat Bialik. Combines community service and personal development for high-achieving students.

Quantifiable outcome

• 80% of ORT engineering graduates work in the profession they studied
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

AI capability2 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Rafael Advanced Defense SystemscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Co-development of mechatronics engineering program at ORT Braude Karmiel. Rafael provides monthly living stipend to students throughout the 17-month program and guarantees employment contracts to qualifying graduates. Part of the national 'Atidim' program. 96% diploma rate achieved in a previous similar electronics program at the same campus.
• Siemens MobilitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024'Train for the Future' program developed with ORT Rehovot. Siemens Mobility co-designed curriculum for railway electrification technicians. Students tour the Ashkelon facility, receive lectures from company engineers and HR, and undergo job interviews. Direct employment pathway upon graduation.
• Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing collaboration with multiple ORT campuses including Singalovski Tel Aviv and Rehovot. IAI HR Director Rafael Azulai described the collaboration as 'very high level.' Special machinery engineering classes opened in partnership with IAI and Menora Mivtachim at ORT Rehovot. Also collaborating on wounded soldier rehabilitation programs.
• Tnuva (תנובה)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerTnuva invested millions of shekels to open an internal 'House of Technicians' (בית הספר להנדסאים) program in partnership with ORT Braude Karmiel. Existing Tnuva production workers study machinery engineering during work hours with full tuition and salary covered. Tnuva CEO Eyal Malis described it as responding to the national shortage of engineering technicians.
• IntelminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGraduates of ORT colleges recruited by Intel for technology and engineering positions. Grad Eli Federman placed at Intel after completing his studies at ORT Kiryat Bialik.
• Iscar (ישקאר)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFactory manager Eli Buhbot recommends hiring ORT graduates and describes the value of engineering diploma holders from ORT.
• AppsFlyerminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAppsFlyer mentioned as one of the employer partners of ORT, recruiting graduates for technology positions.
• Elbit Systems (אלביט)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGrad Saar Aljirt studied electronics at ORT Braude Karmiel and now manages a department at Elbit Systems. Direct employment pathway from ORT to Elbit.
• Atidim Foundation (עתידים)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational program connecting outstanding youth with higher education and career pathways in technology. ORT Braude Karmiel's Rafael mechatronics program operates in partnership with Atidim, the Ministry of Defense's Soldier Settlement Authority, and Rafael. Provides scholarships and guaranteed employment.
• Mahat (מה"ט) - Ministry of LaborcoreOthersGovernment supervisory body. Seven ORT colleges participate in the national reform (Government Resolution 3419, 2018) under Mahat oversight, with 5 designated as 'green colleges' with academic autonomy.
• Erasmus+ Consortium (Greece, Albania, Italy)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerORT Braude Karmiel participates in Erasmus+ programs with partners in Greece (SAEK Egaleo), Albania (VET Kolin Gjoka), and Italy (MWAPP IT company). Includes augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality educational technology development.
• Menora MivtachimminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInsurance company partnering with ORT Rehovot and IAI for special machinery engineering classes for employees.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Afeka Tel Aviv Academic College of Engineering: Tel Aviv-based engineering college focused on practical engineering (handasai) and B.Sc. programs. Directly competes with ORT Singalovski Tel Aviv for the same Israeli student pool and employer placement funnel.
• Sami Shamoon College of Engineering: Israeli engineering college with campuses in Be'er Sheva and Ashdod offering handasai tracks and B.Sc. programs. Competes head-to-head with ORT campuses for engineering students in southern Israel.
• Jerusalem College of Engineering (JCT): Jerusalem-based engineering college offering handasai and B.Sc. programs in electronics, software, and industrial engineering. Directly competes with ORT Jerusalem in the Jerusalem student market.
• Ruppin Academic Center: Israeli academic center in Emek Hefer offering engineering and technology programs. Competes with ORT Netanya and ORT Kfar Saba for engineering-track students in the Sharon region.
• Holon Institute of Technology (HIT): Holon-based engineering college offering practical engineering (handasai) and applied B.Sc. programs. Competes with ORT campuses in central Israel for engineering students and industry-aligned curricula.
• Shenkar College of Engineering, Design and Art: Ramat Gan-based college combining engineering, design, and industrial programs. Overlaps with ORT Kfar Saba's design and architecture tracks and shares employer relationships in Israeli industry.

Broad incumbents

• Technion – Israel Institute of Technology: Israel's premier technology university, operating broadly in engineering and applied science at B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. levels. Competes for the same Israeli engineering-student pool as ORT, but at a higher degree-granting tier and longer program duration.

Others

• MACHON ORT (ORT International Network): Global ORT network operating technology-focused schools in dozens of countries. Sister organization to ORT Israel, sharing brand, pedagogical methods, and credentialing frameworks across international campuses.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@Mechlalotort
• Facebookfacebook.com/ortcolleges
• Instagraminstagram.com/ortcolleges
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ort-colleges

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Subsidiaries9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about ORT Colleges