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The Unmet Potential of TVET in the Jordanian Labor Market


 
 

Introduction

Jordan faces significant labor market challenges, including high youth unemployment, pronounced gender disparities, and the underutilization of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), signaling an urgent need for systemic reform. The societal stigma surrounding vocational training, coupled with inadequate counseling and peer pressure, substantially lowers youth engagement in these critical programs. Furthermore, the competition from migrant workers and economic challenges, as seen in the struggling GDP, exacerbate the situation. Structural issues such as the mismatch between educational outputs and job market needs, the private sector's limited capacity for job creation, and employment limitations within the public sector, further compound the challenges of youth unemployment in Jordan.

 
 

Challenges

Statistics paint a dire picture: Jordan's unemployment rate soared to 24.1% in 2021, with the youth unemployment rate for those aged 15-24 reaching 46.1% in the second quarter of 2022. Gender disparities in the labor market are stark, with female labor force participation at only 14.2% in 2022 and young women facing unemployment rates of 63.3%. The presence of non-Jordanian workers in key economic sectors underscores the necessity for TVET programs that closely align with market demands to improve the employability of Jordanian youth. Moreover, the efficacy of TVET programs is compromised by outdated curricula and the scarcity of qualified instructors, leading to a persisting skills mismatch among graduates.

The groups most impacted by these challenges are Jordanian youth, who face daunting unemployment rates, and women, who encounter significant barriers to labor force participation due to gender disparities. Additionally, key sectors of the economy that are essential for national growth suffer from a lack of skilled labor, directly attributable to the inadequacies of the current TVET system.

 
 
 
 

Suggested Approaches

To address these pressing issues, Jordan must undertake a comprehensive and strategic overhaul of its TVET system. This reform should aim to make TVET more responsive to the needs of the market, modernize curricula, broaden the scope of training, and shift cultural perceptions to value vocational careers. The initiative must include equipping students with the skills needed to either start their businesses or innovate within their fields, supported by access to microfinance and business incubation services. Additionally, a revamp of TVET curricula is necessary, in collaboration with both local and global private enterprises, to incorporate essential skills such as digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and sustainable technologies.

Professional development for TVET instructors is also crucial to bridge the quality gap in vocational education. Furthermore, initiatives to enhance accessibility and promote gender inclusivity in TVET are imperative. These should aim to make vocational training more accessible and relevant, particularly for women, refugees, and individuals from underserved communities, enabling them to develop skills at their own pace. Integrating TVET into Jordan's broader economic development and employment strategies, coupled with regular monitoring and evaluation, is essential for ensuring the alignment of TVET outputs with labor market demands. Lastly, a national campaign to transform public and employer perceptions of vocational education and celebrate the success stories of TVET graduates could significantly contribute to elevating the status of vocational training in Jordan. Through taking these measures, Jordan can significantly improve the employability of its youth, address the gender disparities in the labor market, and enhance its economic resilience. A collaborative effort from the government, the private sector, and international partners is required to reimagine and revitalize TVET for a more prosperous future.

 
 

Ideation Hub

We have offered viable solution approaches for each of the four sectors to spark your creativity, but we highly encourage you to bring your originality and unique perspectives to the table.

You can use these ideas as a starting point, but we urge you to think outside the box. Let’s come up with pioneering ideas to transform Jordanian industry.
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