AMMAN — The Vocational Training Corporation (VTC) is expanding its training programmes and partnerships with the private sector and international institutions to meet changing labour market needs, its General Director, Raafat Sawafin said.

 

In an interview with The Jordan Times, the General Director said the VTC currently offers 126 accredited programmes covering sectors including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, big data, renewable energy, hybrid and electric vehicle maintenance, tourism and hospitality, pharmaceuticals, childcare and elderly care.

 

The corporation also offers short courses and micro-credentials in emerging fields to help young people and university graduates acquire skills demanded by employers.

 

Focus on market demand

 

Tourism and hospitality are among the sectors with strong demand for skilled workers, with the VTC training around 2,000 young men and women annually in the sector.

 

Demand is also high for technicians specialising in hybrid and electric vehicles, while renewable energy, pharmaceuticals and care services are also among the sectors requiring skilled workers.

 

Applicants must be 16 or older, while anyone legally residing in Jordan can enrol, regardless of nationality.

 

The VTC works with more than 4,000 private companies, which contribute to developing programmes, identifying required skills, assessing trainees and providing practical training and employment opportunities.

 

International opportunities

 

The corporation is seeking to connect Jordanian graduates with international labour markets. Eight VTC centres have been accredited according to European training standards, the Sawafin said.

 

Cooperation with Germany has resulted in 56 young Jordanians securing vocational apprenticeship contracts, while a second programme will train 200 young people. More than 20,000 applicants registered within two days for the programme.

 

A pilot programme with Italy is also training 20 participants in Italian and vocational skills before they pursue employment opportunities there.

 

The VTC is holding discussions with partners in Canada, Australia and the Netherlands to develop further opportunities.

 

A VTC study identified around 28 occupations expected to be in demand by 2030.

 

The corporation has introduced digital skills, artificial intelligence, English, occupational health and safety, life skills and entrepreneurship modules across its programmes to help trainees adapt to technological changes.

 

Women account for around 52 per cent of VTC graduates, with increasing numbers entering traditionally male-dominated fields such as plumbing, vehicle maintenance and renewable energy.

 

Employment and inclusion

 

The corporation conducts graduate follow-up surveys and uses an electronic link with the Social Security Corporation to verify employment data while maintaining confidentiality.

 

The VTC has also expanded opportunities for persons with disabilities. A specialised centre graduates around 120 trainees annually, while 14 of its 35 centres have been made inclusive in cooperation with the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

 

Established in 1976, the VTC now operates 35 training centres.The corporation is working with the Ministry of Investment to identify the workforce requirements of new investors and train Jordanian workers before projects begin operations.

 

The VTC General Director said the approach aims to provide investors with qualified local labour while creating jobs for Jordanians and reducing reliance on recruitment from abroad.