ILO and Jordan River Foundation Empower Youth with Work-Based Learning

Equipped with enhanced practical and technical skills, tDahlia Roque, ILO PROSPECTS Jordan Project Manager, emphasized the significance of creating opportunities for young people regardless of gender, income, or background differences. hese youths are now better prepared to embark on successful professional careers.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Jordan River Foundation (JRF) have successfully concluded a pioneering work-based learning initiative, benefiting over 350 Jordanian and Syrian youth across Jordan. Equipped with enhanced practical and technical skills, these youths are now better prepared to embark on successful professional careers. The initiative, conducted between October 2023 and January 2024, aimed to:

Facilitate the transition of trainees to employment.

Enhance competitiveness in the job market.

Provide theoretical training coupled with real-life on-the-job experience.

Offer the opportunity to obtain official occupational licenses.

Support from PROSPECTS Programme

The initiative, operating under the PROSPECTS Programme umbrella, received support from the Government of the Netherlands. Pier de Vries, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, highlighted the Netherlands' commitment to supporting Jordanian and refugee youths, emphasizing the importance of preparing them for suitable employment opportunities.

Benefits of Work-Based Learning

Work-based learning, including targeted apprenticeships, addresses the evolving demands of the labour market, promotes private sector development, and facilitates the transition to employment. It also explores the feasibility of public-private partnerships in integrating work-based learning into national curricula.

Dahlia Roque's Perspective

Dahlia Roque, ILO PROSPECTS Jordan Project Manager, emphasized the significance of creating opportunities for young people regardless of gender, income, or background differences. This approach not only benefits job seekers but also employers who gain from a more qualified workforce.

Sectoral Training and Private Sector Engagement

Trainees underwent diverse training programs across various sectors, including agriculture, technology, construction, tourism, and hospitality. They received practical training in 29 private sector companies, providing them with valuable hands-on experience.

Mohamad Hourani on Real-World Application

Mohamad Hourani, JRF Director of Programmes, highlighted the practical aspect of the program, implemented in real working environments, enhancing trainees' chances of securing job opportunities in their chosen sectors.

Collaboration with TVSDC and NET

The Technical and Vocational Skills Development Commission (TVSDC) and the National Employment and Training Company (NET) collaborated with JRF, underscoring the importance of vocational education in driving economic growth.

Gender Inclusivity

Over half of the trainees were women, reflecting a commitment to gender equality and empowerment.

Raghad Al Ahmad's Testimonial

Raghad Al Ahmad, a Jordanian trainee in solar panel installation, shared her optimism about future job prospects, highlighting the skills and expertise acquired during the training.

Addressing Youth Unemployment

The initiative aims to address youth unemployment in Jordan, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, with unemployment rates among young people reaching over 46 percent in 2022.

Through initiatives like this, the ILO and its partners are working to mitigate the impact of unemployment on Jordanian youth, providing them with the necessary skills and opportunities for a brighter future.