USAID Jordan Workforce Development Project
Project Director:
Funded by:
U.S. Agency for International Development
Partners:
DAI, Souktel, Dajani Consulting, Ministry of Labour (Jordan)
Services:
Design & Development
Region:
Middle East
Duration:
2014-2019
Challenge
Jordan’s economy has been significantly impacted by geopolitical developments in the region, the global financial crises, and expensive energy due to its location and scarce natural resources, all which have resulted in high unemployment. But addressing the problem of unemployment also means addressing challenges such as a mismatch between supply and demand in the labor market, a lack of work-readiness and employability skills, negative perceptions and attitudes towards vocational and technical employment, and unsuitable working environments.
EDC responded to this challenge through the USAID-funded Jordan Workforce Development Project. This nationwide effort, led by DAI in partnership with the Jordanian Ministry of Labour, sought to provide 25,000 new or improved jobs by 2019. Working in six governorates, the Jordan Workforce Development Project aimed to create a competitive, demand-driven workforce development system that would increase private sector employment, especially for women, youth, and those living at or below the poverty line.
Key Activities
EDC supported the development of an effective, relevant vocational training system by providing technical guidance in work-readiness training, work-based learning, vocational training instructor professional development, and curriculum development. Specific activities included:
- Integrated soft skills concepts into the technical curricula of vocational training centers
- Developed an instructor professional development program for instructors in Jordan’s vocational training centers
- Integrated gender considerations into vocational training center’s curricula and management approach
- Adapted Work Ready Now! for the unemployed in Jordan
- Supported career counseling and job placement opportunities through the creation of work-based learning activities
- Improved workforce development opportunities for women, youth, and vulnerable populations through adaptation of early childhood development curriculum for childcare providers
Our Impact
Trained 20 participants on test development and administration for the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Supervisor training course. The workshops also resulted in a CAQA-approved national OSH curriculum framework.
