Morocco and Jordan Boost Vocational Training Through New Pact
Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation in Vocational Training
On Tuesday, in Rabat, Younes Sekkouri, the Minister of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment, and Skills, held discussions with Jordan\’s Minister of Labor, Khalid Al-Bakkar. The meeting aimed to explore ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries, with a specific focus on vocational training.
During a press statement following the meeting, Sekkouri emphasized that the session provided an opportunity for the Jordanian delegation to learn about Morocco’s extensive experience in vocational training. He highlighted that Morocco currently has 754,000 trainees and over 2,300 vocational training institutes covering various fields and sectors.
“The prospects for cooperation between our two countries in this domain are very promising, especially following King Mohammed VI\’s visit to Jordan, which has invigorated our bilateral relations,” Sekkouri said. Al-Bakkar, in turn, praised Morocco’s achievements in vocational training, recognizing the country as a model in this area.
Framework Agreement Signed to Boost Collaboration
The discussions culminated in the signing of a framework agreement for bilateral cooperation in vocational training. This agreement underscores both nations’ commitment to advancing the sector and ensuring it meets the needs of emerging economic sectors.
The Jordanian minister and his delegation also visited the In-Company Apprenticeship Training Center (CFA-IE) of Safran Electrical & Power Morocco in the Ain El-Aouda region. There, they gained firsthand insight into Morocco’s approach to vocational training, which is closely aligned with economic needs.
Additionally, the delegation toured the City of Trades and Skills in Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, located in Tamesna. This facility serves as a regional hub for vocational training across several strategic sectors, including industry, digitalization, services, and innovation.
Key Areas of Focus in Vocational Training
The collaboration between Morocco and Jordan in vocational training includes several key areas:
- Skill Development: Both nations aim to improve the quality of vocational training programs to better equip individuals with the skills needed for the modern workforce.
- Sector Alignment: Ensuring that training programs align with the demands of key economic sectors such as industry, digitalization, and innovation.
- Knowledge Exchange: Facilitating the exchange of best practices and experiences between Moroccan and Jordanian institutions.
- Infrastructure Development: Investing in the development of training centers and facilities to support the growth of vocational education.
Benefits of the Partnership
The partnership between Morocco and Jordan in vocational training is expected to bring several benefits, including:
- Improved Employment Opportunities: By enhancing vocational training, both countries can reduce unemployment rates and create more job opportunities.
- Economic Growth: A well-trained workforce can contribute to the growth of key industries and boost overall economic performance.
- Regional Stability: Strengthening ties through vocational training can foster greater regional stability and cooperation.
Future Steps and Commitments
Both ministers expressed their commitment to continuing the collaboration and exploring new avenues for cooperation. They agreed to hold follow-up meetings to monitor the progress of the framework agreement and ensure its successful implementation.
The visit by the Jordanian delegation to Morocco highlights the growing interest in learning from Morocco’s successful vocational training model. It also reflects the importance of international partnerships in addressing common challenges related to employment and economic development.
As the two countries move forward, the focus will remain on building a strong foundation for vocational training that meets the needs of both nations and contributes to long-term economic growth.
