Amman, Nov. 27 (Petra) – The Jordanian Logistics Association, in coordination with the National Sector Skills Council for Logistics (Logiskills), held a workshop on Thursday to present and discuss the sectoral study, "Identifying the Educational and Training Needs of Workers in the Logistics Sector in Jordan." Nabil Khatib, head of both the association and the council, underscored the importance of establishing a comprehensive national skills framework for the logistics sector, grounded in a genuine public-private partnership. He stressed aligning education and training outcomes with labor market needs to improve workforce efficiency and strengthen the sector’s competitiveness.

Khatib noted that the workshop, part of the Vocational and Higher Education for the Labor Market project funded by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), builds on previous studies conducted in Aqaba in 2023 and the 2020 Skills Gap Study in collaboration with the National Center for Human Resources Development. These efforts provide a precise database to guide training policies, enabling the sector to generate employment aligned with market demands.

During the workshop, First Vice President of the Council Jamal Rifai highlighted the union and council’s achievements over the past five years in training, on-the-job qualification, and recognition of prior learning, positioning them as a key hub for logistics sector employment.

Khatib also highlighted the accreditation of the FIATA Diploma in Freight Forwarding, developed with specialized trainers, which launched its first program in July 2024. The diploma qualifies workers in freight forwarding, logistics, international trade, insurance, multimodal transport, safety, and sustainability, enhancing employment opportunities. A memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Labor was also signed to support training and employment of selected trainees through the ministry’s funding mechanisms.

Abdullah Jabour, Secretary-General of the Council and head of the study team, highlighted the implementation of hundreds of training programs benefiting thousands of trainees, the acquisition of national accreditations in maritime and logistics management, and the ongoing development of interactive electronic platforms for training and syndicate management.

Ismail Abu Sheikha, lead author of the study from the German Jordanian University, presented the findings, which focused on the essential skills required, existing gaps, training system challenges, and participation of disadvantaged groups.

The study recommended establishing a national framework for logistics competencies, unifying training accreditation under a national center, adopting internationally accredited short training modules, providing financial support and incentives, promoting inclusivity for women and persons with disabilities, expanding digital and regional training access, and integrating theoretical and practical learning.

//Petra// AJ