By: Hani Al-Dabbas
In these accelerated transformations in the labor market, it is clear that the gap between educational outputs and the needs of economic sectors is widening and poses a bigger challenge to development plans, especially in vital and service sectors such as tourism.
From here, work-based learning emerges as one of the most effective models in linking education to practical application, enhancing the readiness of young people to enter the labor market with confidence and efficiency.
This work-based model is an educational approach that integrates theoretical knowledge with actual application within real work environments, giving students the opportunity to acquire technical and behavioral skills that align with employers' requirements.
In the tourism sector, this model contributes to preparing qualified personnel capable of delivering professional service, embracing the culture of hospitality, while adhering to quality standards, elements that are difficult to gain through classroom education alone.
In this context, the Ministry of Education, with technical support from UNESCO and in partnership with Global Affairs Canada, is implementing a national program that spans from 2024 to 2027 aimed at transforming the system of technical and vocational education and training in Jordan. The program focuses on developing institutional environments and policy frameworks for the skills ecosystem, enhancing skills development in priority sectors, in addition to improving the perception of vocational education and promoting inclusiveness and gender equality, making this pathway more appealing to youth of both genders.
Engaging the private sector forms one of the fundamental pillars for the success of this direction, as its role has gone beyond just absorbing graduates but has become a partner in designing training programs, providing work-based learning opportunities, and contributing to skill assessment.
Through a preliminary review conducted by UNESCO on private sector involvement in vocational education in Jordan, light was shed on the best international practices in this field, focusing on work-based learning models indicating a mutual benefit for students, educational institutions, and employers.
The consultation workshops organized by the Ministry of Education and UNESCO serve as a platform for dialogue and exchange of experiences among government bodies, educational institutions, the private sector, and development partners, aiming to develop practical mechanisms that enable vocational schools to more effectively engage employers and provide structured and targeted training to help lessen the skills gap and increase employment opportunities.
Adopting this pioneering model not only contributes to enhancing employability and increasing productivity but also helps in altering societal perceptions of vocational education by linking it to real job opportunities and clear career paths. It further strengthens the building of future personnel capable of supporting economic growth, especially in promising sectors like tourism and hospitality, which fundamentally rely on human efficiency and quality performance.
In light of these efforts, the development of vocational and technical education has become a shared responsibility requiring a genuine partnership between the public and private sectors, representing a long-term investment in human capital, ensuring the alignment of education with labor market requirements practically on the ground after remaining a contentless slogan for years.
