Amman, Nov. 27 (Petra) –Secretary-General of the Ministry of Education for Vocational and Technical Education, Dr. Mohammad Ghaith, said the ministry is adopting a "carefully examined" expansion policy in Jordan's vocational and technical education.

Ghaith added that this effort aligns with the Royal vision reflected in the government's Economic Modernization Vision, which aims to raise enrollment in vocational and technical tracks to 50% by 2032.

According to its statement issued Thursday, Ghaith noted the ministry restructured vocational education three years ago.

Currently, he announced 331 schools are offering vocational and technical education programs, with approximately 49,000 students, and 12 vocational programs, which will be increased to 15 next year, aligning with the National Population Strategy.

Ghaith's remarks came during his participation in the high-level meeting on the demographic situation and monitoring the performance of the National Population Strategy (2021-2030), recently held at the Dead Sea.

Organized by the Higher Population Council in cooperation with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), he said the event saw the participation of the ministry secretaries-general, directors-general of departments and institutions, and heads of relevant councils.

This expansion comes in response to employment challenges and the need to enhance practical training and partnerships with the private sector to align education with labor market needs, he pointed out.

Ghaith pointed out that the BTEC system is an international model implemented in more than 70 countries and benefits approximately 1 million students and is based on learning through practice, tasks, and projects.

BTEC system indicated that the system's implementation in Jordan will contribute to developing vocational education by promoting innovation, enhancing students' "readiness" for the labor market, and opening new employment opportunities, as these vocational programs have been designed based on needs of the national labor market.

Despite some inherent challenges in expanding vocational education, he stated the ministry is working "diligently and continuously" to overcome any obstacles that might impede success of this policy.

The ministry, he noted, has carried out "comprehensive" maintenance work on vocational schools, upgraded their workshops, and equipped them with modern, high-level equipment that meets international standards and labor market needs.

Additionally, he said the ministry has worked to recruit highly qualified and efficient staff to ensure "quality" of training and practical application.

The ministry places "remarkable" importance on career awareness to inform students and their families about the job opportunities offered by vocational and technical education, he said.

Through career guidance forums and awareness programs in the directorates, he noted the ministry is working to break down stereotypes and the stigma associated with certain professions, promote a positive view of this promising and essential path for creating jobs, generating opportunities, and achieving economic development.

Ghaith called for integrating all efforts and initiatives to advance the Kingdom's education and training sector, empower students and youth in Jordan, and keep pace with the rapid development in various sectors, which would "ultimately lead to an efficient vocational education system to create opportunities, develop skills, and support the national economy."
//Petra// AG

27/11/2025 15:06:21