In Jordan, youth unemployment remains a significant challenge, with many university graduates needing help to enter a competitive labour market. Recognising this issue, the “Skills Training for Education Program” (STEP) was launched to bridge the gap between education and employment. Funded by the Islamic Development Bank and Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund, and implemented by SPARK in collaboration with the Business Development Center (BDC), the programme equips Jordanian youth and refugees with the practical skills needed to secure sustainable job opportunities.

Preparing Youth for the Workforce

STEP Partners with seven public and private universities across Jordan, including Petra, Al al-Bayt, Zarqa, JUST, Amman Arab, Yarmouk, and Balqa, to ensure that both institutions and students acquire essential skills that align with market demands. The programme focuses on updating university curricula, providing market-relevant training, and offering internship opportunities designed to help young people secure decent and sustainable employment.
At the core of the programme is a life skills training course, developed in collaboration with educational institutions and the private sector. This intensive five-day training, with an additional online day, teaches participants essential skills such as teamwork, time management, critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication—particularly for job interviews. So far, 176 students have benefited from the soft skills training, with 127 securing job placements, including 97 women and 37 refugees.

Building Stronger University-Industry Partnerships

STEP also plays a significant role in strengthening the relationship between universities and the private sector. In the first phase of the programme, 26 teachers and professors received Training of Trainers (TOT) sessions through the Work Readiness Training Program. In the second phase, 24 additional faculty members participated, focusing on equipping university professors and Career Guidance Counselors with the skills needed to implement the Work-Ready Skills Mentor Toolkit effectively. This training enhances their ability to guide students towards successful careers.

Real-World Experience through Internships

After completing the life skills training, participants transition into a three-month internship, where they have the opportunity to apply their newly acquired skills in real work environments. These internships are not just a means to practice what they’ve learned but are carefully designed to provide hands-on experience in fields that align with the participants’ academic backgrounds and career aspirations. By engaging themselves in professional settings, the interns gain a deeper understanding of workplace dynamics, enhance their problem-solving abilities, and build the confidence needed to thrive in their chosen careers.
To ensure that participants can fully engage in these internships without financial strain, the programme covers transportation costs during this phase. This support allows the interns to focus entirely on their professional development, maximizing the benefits of their on-the-job training. The practical exposure gained during this period is a cornerstone of the STEP programme, playing a crucial role in helping students transition smoothly from academia to the workforce. Many participants find that these internships not only improve their employability but often lead directly to job offers from the companies they interned with, making it a critical step towards securing sustainable employment.

Expanding Opportunities for Collaboration

As the STEP programme continues to demonstrate its positive impact on youth employment in Jordan, it actively seeks to broaden its reach by establishing new partnerships with additional educational institutions and private sector organisations. These collaborations are integral to the programme’s goal of creating a pipeline of well-prepared graduates who are ready to meet the demands of the modern workforce.

By continuously refining its approach and expanding its network, STEP is able to adapt to the evolving needs of both students and employers. This adaptability ensures that the programme remains relevant and effective in an ever-changing job market. Furthermore, the success of the programme is emphasised by the strong testimonials from both male and female professors and Career Guidance Counselors, who have witnessed firsthand the significant impact of the training on their students.

The programme also recognises the importance of gathering feedback and insights from all stakeholders to drive continuous improvement. Video testimonials from the Training of Trainers (TOT) sessions provide valuable perspectives on the programme’s impact, highlighting the successes and lessons learned along the way. As STEP looks to the future, it aims to develop new partnerships that will further enhance its ability to equip Jordanian youth with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed.