Amman, August 4 (Petra) — Education experts and stakeholders hailed the BTEC program as a groundbreaking advancement in Jordan’s vocational education system during a panel discussion held Monday by the Jordanian Society for Scientific Research, Entrepreneurship, and Creativity.
Described as a “true revolution” in technical education, the BTEC system was praised for its emphasis on applied skills, its potential to reduce unemployment, and its alignment with labor market demands.
Drawing from the British educational framework, BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council) is already implemented in more than 70 countries. In Jordan, the program has been tailored to suit the national context, focusing on hands-on training across a range of disciplines.
Participants in the session, including representatives from the Ministry of Education, the Vocational Training Corporation, UNRWA, academic researchers, school administrators, and education professionals, engaged in an in-depth dialogue on implementation strategies, existing challenges, and future opportunities.
Though the program remains in its initial stages, early feedback has been promising. Tenth-grade students enrolled in Information Technology under BTEC have demonstrated academic performance that surpasses graduates of certain university programs. Experts attribute this success to the curriculum’s practical orientation and modern instructional design.
BTEC’s methodology departs from conventional vocational systems, with a distinct focus on real-world applicability, modern assessment techniques, and immediate job readiness.
Participants commended the Ministry of Education’s strategic decision to adopt the BTEC model and equip schools with the necessary infrastructure and standards. Specializations are only introduced in schools that meet strict criteria, including availability of updated curricula, advanced equipment, and qualified instructors.
Rida Al-Khawaldeh, President of the Jordanian Society for Scientific Research, emphasized the importance of linking education to national development. “A true researcher transforms an idea into an achievement,” he said. “Jordan has the talent and vision needed to reshape vocational education.”
Al-Khawaldeh also noted that His Majesty King Abdullah II’s ongoing support for the vocational sector has created fertile ground for reform.
Discussions during the session underscored the economic value of BTEC specializations. In some cases, vocational graduates may earn more than those in traditional scientific or medical fields. Experts stressed the program’s core mission: to provide students with tangible, market-relevant skills that translate directly into employment upon graduation.
Panelists also highlighted the critical importance of training educators and maintaining strong alignment between educational outcomes and labor market needs to ensure the long-term success of the initiative.
The session concluded with a call for sustained institutional collaboration, stressing that vocational education, when implemented with rigor and aligned with national priorities, represents not only a pathway to employment but also a strategic investment in Jordan’s future.
//Petra// RZ
04/08/2025 12:16:44
