Amman, Nov. 9 (Petra) -- Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh and Minister of Labor Khalid Bakkaar on Sunday held a coordination meeting with representatives of mining companies operating on exploration projects across the Kingdom.
The discussions aimed to explore future cooperation in developing and implementing specialized vocational training programs that meet the needs of Jordan’s mining sector, prepare qualified national workers for local and regional markets, and support the national shift toward sustainable energy.
Speaking during the meeting, Kharabsheh called for addressing the sector’s needs for skilled professionals, especially as Jordan recently signed two exploration agreements for gold and copper, with a third expected soon.
Kharabsheh also noted the Vocational Training Corporation’s (VTC) commitment to aligning its programs with labor market demands and preparing young Jordanians to work in promising sectors, including energy and mining.
Bakkaar announced the VTC is establishing a new institute in southern Al-Hasa district dedicated to specialized training in mining, manufacturing, and other relevant fields to be identified during consultations with sector representatives.
He directed the VTC to form a specialized technical team to visit companies operating in the energy and mining sectors to assess their workforce needs and design training programs that align with both local and regional market requirements.
The minister said this effort aims to promote employment through a training-for-employment model that bridges skill development with job opportunities.
Meanwhile, VTC Director General, Ahmad Gharaibeh, highlighted the existing programs supporting the Kingdom's energy and mining sectors, including training in sample collection and geological analysis, geological mapping using GIS systems, and seismic and environmental monitoring, all conducted through the corporation’s training centers.
Gharaibeh added that the VTC is also developing new field training programs for sample collection, legal training related to the mining sector, and technical skills training in extraction processes to meet the needs of national companies working in this vital industry.
Participants stressed the importance of strengthening public-private partnerships under a modern training model that links education with employment, helps reduce unemployment, and creates sustainable job opportunities for Jordanian youth at home and abroad.
The cooperation between the Ministries of Energy and Labor, under the VTC, aims to enhance national workforce readiness and equip Jordanians with essential skills for key industries as part of the Economic Modernization Vision 2026–2029 and national sustainable development goals.
//Petra// AO
