Amman, July 20 (Petra) – Academics have stressed that technical education represents a strategic option to address graduate unemployment caused by a clear mismatch between university outputs and the needs of productive sectors.

Speaking to the Jordan News Agency (Petra), they called for a practical and strategic approach to developing technical education as a complementary pathway that enhances youth employability, supports the national economy, and contributes to social stability.

Former President of Al al-Bayt University Hani Dmour said rising unemployment among graduates highlights a structural imbalance between higher education outcomes and labor market demands. He urged a strategic reassessment of the entire education system.

Dmour emphasized that many theoretically qualified graduates face difficulties securing employment, underscoring the need for a serious shift toward technical education as a practical solution. He noted that technical education goes beyond knowledge acquisition, focusing on equipping students with hands-on skills directly aligned with the requirements of production, industry, and specialized technical services.

He added that international experiences show that countries investing in technical and vocational education have succeeded in reducing unemployment, achieving sustainable economic growth, and enhancing competitiveness across productive sectors.

He stressed that the success of technical education in meeting its goals depends on creating an investment-friendly environment and building effective partnerships between technical education institutions and the private sector to ensure that educational outcomes align with market needs.

Dmour also highlighted the importance of translating the link between education and employment into clear policies, starting with curriculum updates, teacher training, and integrating students into real work environments during their studies. These efforts, he said, should be accompanied by a public awareness campaign to challenge negative societal perceptions of technical education and to emphasize its role in development.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Higher Education spokesperson and Director of the Unified Admission Coordination Unit, Mohannad Khatib, reaffirmed that the Higher Education Council and the ministry regard technical education as a strategic response to the accelerating challenges of the labor market.

He said technical education plays a vital role in reducing graduate unemployment and aligning education with labor market needs. The ministry, he added, continues to support and develop this vital sector, encouraging students to pursue technical education due to its direct impact on qualifying national talent with essential skills across various productive fields.

Khatib noted that the ministry remains committed to implementing policies and plans in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, reflecting its belief in technical education as a cornerstone of a sustainable, skills-based, and innovation-driven future.

University of Jordan law professor Meshaal Al-Madhi described technical education as a strategic path to tackling graduate unemployment, particularly amid rising joblessness among holders of traditional academic degrees that often fall short of labor market demands.

He pointed out that Arab societies face a growing challenge in bridging the gap between educational outcomes and labor market needs. Technical education, he emphasized, is not a substitute for academic education but a complementary track focused on applied learning and practical skills, enhancing graduate readiness for direct employment.

By aligning its programs with local and regional labor demands, technical education, Al-Madhi said, helps bridge the supply-demand gap and produces highly skilled, professional technical workers. He cited international models where investment in technical and vocational education has significantly reduced unemployment, stimulated growth in productive sectors, and fostered entrepreneurship among youth.

Al-Madhi argued that developing the technical education system in Jordan and the region should be viewed as a long-term national investment, requiring government and legislative support and genuine partnerships with the private sector to ensure high-quality training, updated curricula, and integration with modern technologies and labor market trends.

He emphasized the importance of shifting societal perceptions of technical education and restoring its status as a desirable, promising path not a last resort. He called on educational institutions, media, and families to play an active role in embedding this culture and empowering youth to contribute to a productive society and sustainable economy.

Muhannad Qudah, a specialist in teaching methodologies, stressed the central role of technical education in preparing graduates for the labor market by providing them with practical and technical skills and enhancing their personal and professional development.

He explained that technical education not only develops skills but also shapes students’ personalities, critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork. It equips them with the knowledge and competencies needed for technical careers that match their interests and qualifications.

Qudah noted that the strength of technical education lies in its emphasis on practical experience, allowing students to train with up-to-date tools and technologies in workshops, labs, factories, and companies. This real-world exposure enables them to integrate efficiently into the workforce.

He said technical education helps reduce disguised unemployment by equipping graduates with skills for productive jobs suited to their capabilities. It also promotes entrepreneurship, creates new job opportunities, and lessens reliance on traditional employment.

Qudah urged increased support for technical education through appropriate budgeting, comprehensive national strategies, curriculum development, infrastructure investment, and recruitment of specialized educators. He called for building a strong, globally competitive technical education system.

He also stressed the need to support digital transformation, foster partnerships between technical education institutions and the private sector, provide training opportunities, enforce quality standards, and conduct regular evaluations to ensure program effectiveness and graduate employability.

//Petra// AF
20/07/2025 22:38:25