Jordan’s Minister of Labor, Dr. Khalid Al-Bakkar, emphasized that developing technical and vocational training and education systems is no longer a luxury but a necessity to advance Arab economies by equipping Arab youth with the professional and technical skills required in local and global labor markets, while keeping pace with the rapid changes brought by the digital revolution.
اضافة اعلان
Speaking at a two-day seminar organized by the Arab Labor Organization in Amman on “Developing Technical and Vocational Training Systems to Foster Future Entrepreneurs,” Al-Bakkar stressed that such development cannot be achieved without cooperation among the three main production partners: the government, employers, and workers’ representatives. He noted that integrated efforts are crucial to achieving tangible results on the ground.
He highlighted that labor market changes are fast and significant due to technological advancements, with traditional jobs disappearing and new roles emerging, which requires real preparation to provide Arab youth with the necessary skills to meet evolving market needs. Otherwise, young people risk becoming a burden on themselves, their families, and their countries.
Al-Bakkar pointed out that the Fourth Industrial Revolution and digital transformation offer new opportunities to develop modern vocational programs, including robotics, artificial intelligence, 3D printing, and renewable energy technologies. The growing demand for practical skills stems from a shortage of skilled labor, particularly in construction, technology, maintenance, and service sectors.
The minister also stressed the importance of enhancing partnerships with the private sector to align educational programs with market needs and encourage private investment in vocational and technical training.
He further called for changing societal perceptions of vocational education by granting accredited professional certificates and conducting awareness campaigns that highlight success stories to encourage families to guide their children toward technical and vocational pathways.
Al-Bakkar noted that the Jordanian government has prioritized vocational and technical training in its cross-government economic modernization programs, as directed by King Abdullah II and closely followed by the Crown Prince. The Vocational Training Corporation, chaired by the Minister of Labor, has implemented plans to modernize training systems and programs, considering digitization and rapid market changes.
The programs include training linked to employment, preparing Jordanian labor for regional and international markets, professional entrepreneurship, and digital commerce. Efforts also focus on upgrading training centers, expanding infrastructure, and enhancing trainer capabilities across all Jordanian governorates.
Fayez Al-Mutairi, Director-General of the Arab Labor Organization, noted that the labor world is undergoing profound transformations driven by the digital revolution and rapid technological innovation. Knowledge, digital skills, and innovative capabilities now drive growth and competitiveness, determining countries’ positions in the global economy.
He stressed that Arab governments and social partners must develop strategic responses to bridge the skills gap, ensure fair and sustainable transitions, preserve workers’ dignity, and enhance productivity.
The seminar provided an open platform for constructive dialogue among the three production partners and experts to discuss future trends, strategies for integrating digital transformation into education and training, and methods to expand economic participation and employment opportunities for Arab youth.
Al-Mutairi added that countries investing early in technical and vocational education, linked with innovation and entrepreneurship, achieved higher economic growth and social development, underscoring the importance of such systems in addressing structural unemployment and bridging the labor market gap.
The two-day seminar included four sessions covering: the current state of technical and vocational training under digital transformation, future skills and vocational education, trends in developing systems for future entrepreneurs, and the role of career guidance in enhancing employability. Participants included representatives from 13 Arab countries, government officials, experts, and stakeholders from the three production partners.
