Amman, Feb. 9 (Petra) -- The Green Skill Vocational Training Capacity Building Project was launched on Monday within the framework of the strategic partnership between Jordan and the Republic of Korea, with support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), marking a significant step toward advancing the green economy and modernizing the vocational training system in line with international standards and evolving labor market needs.

The launch took place under the patronage of the Minister of Labor and Chairperson of the Vocational Training Corporation (VTC), Khalid Bakkar, in the presence of the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Jordan, Kim Pil-woo, the mayor of Irbid, Emad Azzam, the Acting Director General of the VTC, Raafat Sawafin, and representatives of partner institutions and stakeholders.

The project aims to enhance national capacities in green skills by establishing Jordan’s first specialized Green Skills Center. The center will prepare a qualified workforce capable of responding to rapid labor market shifts, particularly in sectors linked to environmental sustainability and green economic development.

Implementation will follow an integrated approach, including the development of a comprehensive master plan for the center, its establishment and equipping according to international best practices, and the design of specialized green vocational training programs. The project also focuses on building the capacity of national leaders and trainers while creating pathways for green employment and entrepreneurship.

Capacity-building activities include specialized training in the Republic of Korea for decision-makers and trainers, alongside advanced local programs, including Training of Trainers modules to ensure knowledge transfer and localization of expertise. The initiative targets more than 60 national staff members through these programs.

Approved training courses will cover strategic sectors, including renewable energy, eco-friendly vehicles, and water and wastewater treatment. With an annual capacity of 354 trainees, the programs will be delivered through a combination of long-term vocational training and short-term upskilling courses to enhance professional readiness.

During the ceremony, Bakkar underscored the project’s importance in supporting Jordan’s green transition, highlighting that investment in green skills is a key pillar for creating sustainable, high-quality jobs for youth and strengthening the regional and international competitiveness of national vocational training.

Kim said the initiative reflects Korea’s "strong and renewed commitment to Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision, especially its two key pillars: a green Jordan and a smart Jordan." He noted that education and vocational training have been central to Korea’s support for Jordan’s socio-economic development and expressed hope that the project would become another success story, building on previous collaborations, including the Jordan–Korea Technical Institute in Zarqa and the vocational training program at Al-Balqa University.

The launch of the project aligns with the VTC’s vision to modernize curricula, respond to labor market demands, and act as a driver of sustainable socio-economic development. By fostering a skilled workforce for green industries, the project is expected to expand and strengthen green employment opportunities in Jordan. Through its strategic partnership with KOICA, the VTC said it remains committed to adopting innovative training models that empower Jordanian youth to compete in local and regional labor markets.

//Petra// AJ