Jordan’s economy has been significantly impacted by geopolitical developments in the region, the global financial crises, and expensive energy due to its location and scarce natural resources, all which have resulted in high unemployment. But addressing the problem of unemployment also means addressing challenges such as a mismatch between supply and demand in the labor market, a lack of work-readiness and employability skills, negative perceptions and attitudes towards vocational and technical employment, and unsuitable working environments.
EDC is responding to this challenge through the USAID-funded Jordan Workforce Development Project. This nationwide effort, led by DAI in partnership with the Jordanian Ministry of Labour, seeks to provide 25,000 new or improved jobs by 2019. Working in six governorates, the Jordan Workforce Development Project aims to create a competitive, demand-driven workforce development system that leads to increased private sector employment, especially for women, youth, and those living at or below the poverty line.
EDC is supporting the development of an effective, relevant vocational training system by providing technical guidance in work-readiness training, work-based learning, vocational training instructor professional development, and curriculum development. Specific activities include the following:
- Integrate soft skills concepts into the technical curricula of vocational training centers
- Develop an instructor professional development program for instructors in Jordan’s vocational training centers
- Integrate gender considerations into vocational training center’s curricula and management approach
- Adapt Work Ready Now! for the unemployed in Jordan
- Support career counseling and job placement opportunities through the creation of work-based learning activities
- Improve workforce development opportunities for women, youth, and vulnerable populations through adaptation of early childhood development curriculum for childcare providers and providing strategies for gender inclusion
Trained 20 participants on test development and administration for the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Supervisor training course. The workshops also resulted in a CAQA-approved national OSH curriculum framework.