Amman, Aug. 12 (Petra) – The 10th Arab Conference on Vocational
Training opened Wednesday at the Amman Chamber of Commerce under the
theme “Vocational and Technical Training: The Gateway to Professional
Transformation,” bringing together leaders and experts from several
Arab countries to discuss how to align vocational training with labor
market needs.

The conference is examining a shift from training models based
primarily on hours and certificates toward systems centered on
competencies, performance, professional accreditation, and verifiable
learning outcomes.

Ibrahim Ramadhneh, adviser to the Minister of Education and Human
Resources Development for vocational and technical education,
stressed the importance of integrating vocational and technical
education with training and labor market requirements to equip
students and graduates with practical, employable skills.

Amman Chamber of Commerce Board Treasurer Khattab Banna said
vocational training has become a strategic tool for developing
measurable competencies and keeping pace with digital transformation,
artificial intelligence and the skills-based economy.

He called for an integrated system linking skills development,
professional accreditation, performance-based assessment and
continuous professional development, supported by partnerships among
educational institutions, businesses and training centers.

Arab Trainers Union President Younis Khataybeh said employers
increasingly assess candidates based on their actual capabilities and
verifiable evidence of competence rather than academic qualifications
alone.

He outlined the union’s efforts to develop a professional
accreditation system covering professional certification, digital
verification of credentials, intensive training and continuous
professional development.

Participants also stressed the importance of work-based learning,
competency-based assessment and stronger partnerships between
training providers, employers and accreditation bodies.

Sessions on the first day addressed professional accreditation,
performance-based qualifications, international recognition of
certifications and continuing professional development. Speakers also
discussed digital verification mechanisms and micro-training programs
designed to address specific skills gaps through short, targeted
courses.

The conference concluded its first day with discussions on
translating the proposed models into practical applications and
partnerships to strengthen vocational training and professional
accreditation across the Arab world and improve the transition from
training to employment and sustainable professional development.

//Petra// AJ