From Education to Economic Opportunities: A Panel Discussion on Developing Practical and Vocational Training Programs for Jordanian Youth and Refugees

Under the patronage of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship and the Youth, Technology and Jobs (YTJ) project, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in collaboration with the DigiSkills Association, the Higher Education Alliance (HEA), and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), organized a panel discussion on ways to develop practical and vocational training programs for Jordanian youth and refugees.

The session, titled “Strengthening Structured Pathways for the Transition of Jordanian Youth and Refugees from Education to Economic Opportunities,” brought together representatives from the public and private sectors, higher education institutions, international organizations, and development partners.

The discussion aimed to explore ways to better align education outcomes with labor market needs and to enhance youth readiness to participate in various economic sectors by expanding work-based learning opportunities and practical and vocational training.

Participants discussed mechanisms to strengthen work-based learning opportunities and expand practical and vocational training, enabling young people to gain the skills and hands-on experience needed to transition from education to the labor market and improve their employability across different sectors. They also emphasized the importance of building effective partnerships between the private sector, higher education institutions, and development actors to design training programs that connect education with practical application and provide youth with real workplace experience.

The session served as a platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange among relevant stakeholders and explored opportunities for cooperation to launch initiatives that expand learning and training opportunities for Jordanian youth and refugees. It also highlighted the importance of empowering refugees by equipping them with practical skills and experience that enhance their self-reliance and support their ability to access employment and livelihoods, whether they remain in host countries or choose to return voluntarily, safely, and with dignity.