Dead Sea, Jordan 14 to 15 April, 2019 - The International Labour Organization (ILO), under the umbrella of the “Applying the G20 Training Strategy: A Partnership of the ILO and the Russian Federation” (Phase 2) Project (the G20TS Project) in close collaboration with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) conducted a two-day dialogue on the importance of National Sector Skills Councils (NSSCs) as effective governance structures to reform Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Jordan. The workshop, which was organized under the Patronage of H.E. Mr. Samir Murad, Jordan’s Minister of Labor gathered representatives from six NSSCs at the King Hussein Convention Centre at the Dead Sea. Participants discussed the role of NSSCs in reforming the TVET sector in light of the new Skills Development Commission Law.

The workshop brought together participants from the public and the private sector in a first-of-its-kind national social dialogue where the Government of Jordan (GoJ) was represented by the TVET Council of the Ministry of Labour. CEOs of firms from manufacturing and services’ sectors as well as representatives of workers’ organizations and associations of relevant sectors of the Jordanian economy participating in the event, this alongside United Nations agencies and other stakeholders.

During the event, six NSSCs were represented on: the Tourism and Hospitality (T&H), Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Logistics, Water and Energy, Leather and Textile, and Cosmetics & Chemicals sectors. According to the current NSSCs TORs, the Councils are responsible for the development of occupational profiles and standards, they conduct labour market intelligence/information systems in relevant sectors, contribute in drawing up policies, and eventually suggest demand-driven courses and curricula that will help equip the workforce with the skills required to guarantee decent employment opportunities.

The ILO, under the G20TS Project, is currently working in close collaboration with the Jordan Chamber of Industry to establish the Cosmetics and Chemicals Industries Sector Skills Council and the Leather and Garments Sector Skills Council.

Throughout the two days, participants took part in an animated and lively debate on the achievements, challenges, future action plans, and emerging experience of the SSCs in Jordan established in accordance with the new 2019 Skills Development Commission Law (SDC law). GoJ’s representatives from the Ministry of Labor presented the legal framework of the Councils’ governance under the newly passed law and discussed the roles, structures, and by-laws of NSSCs within the Kingdom.

The GIZ advisor reviewed the terms of reference of the SSCs at the national level, along with the short and long-term expected outcomes of the Councils. For its part, EBRD outlined ways to help the private sector’s small companies obtain the necessary technical and financial consultation to ensure sustainable economic growth that would boost job creation for graduates of TVET institutions. The Chairperson of the Water and Energy SSC, Mr. Fadi Marji, shared with the attendees the lessons learned and the progress achieved within a year of being established, and provided solutions and recommendations for the other NSSCs to overcome potential challenges.

Concluding the dialogue on the governance, structure, funding, internal mandate and operation of NSSCs within the scope of the NSHRD and the legal framework of the SDC law, participants suggested constructing a communication strategy that brings together the local experience of all Councils, with the aim of fostering their efforts. This entails creating a platform where knowledge is shared and managed through regular meetings and consistent mutual feedback.