Ministry of Digital Economy Launches Largest Digital Skills and Employment Program

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship announced the launch of its largest program to date, aimed at developing digital skills and promoting employment in Jordan. The program, developed and implemented by DigiSkills under the supervision of the Youth, Technology, and Jobs (YTJ) project and funded by the World Bank, is designed to equip graduates from Jordanian universities in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) with the skills needed to thrive in the job market.

This initiative will be carried out through grant agreements with 14 partners who have the capability to provide and deliver specialized practical and theoretical training to over 2,000 graduates, with the commitment to facilitate the participant’s employment. The training will cover ten different technical disciplines, including more than 30 specialized training tracks, with the objective of enhancing graduates’ digital skills. This program aims to employ at least 60% of participants and improve employment prospects for the remaining participants, thereby supporting the growth of the ICT sector and contributing to the national economy.

The program’s launch was marked by an inaugural workshop held at the Bristol Hotel in Amman, attended by key partners and representatives from the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship and the Youth, Technology, and Jobs project. During the workshop, the organizers provided a comprehensive overview of the program, emphasizing its implementation phases and the necessary best practices to ensure success and achieve the desired economic and social impact.

The DigiSkills Development and Employment Program is inclusive and offers a wide range of training and skill development activities in various technical fields, including software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, IoT solutions, augmented reality, virtual reality, mixed reality, and other in-demand skills such as digital marketing. These areas were identified based on a study conducted by the Digital Skills Association on the skills gap in local, regional, and global markets.

Participants in the program will be able to choose from over 30 training tracks tailored to their professional interests and career aspirations in the technology industry.

Commenting on the initiative, Ahmad Hanandeh, Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, emphasized the importance of this program in empowering young people, developing their digital skills, and preparing them for a rapidly evolving job market. He underscored the ministry’s commitment to providing graduates with the digital skills needed to succeed in the growing digital economy, ensuring that this initiative has a positive and lasting impact on their future careers.

Hanandeh also noted that the World Bank’s support for this initiative reflects the ministry’s and DigiSkills’ commitment to global standards in training and education. He highlighted that the involvement of 14 leading training companies and institutions in Jordan enhances the program’s credibility and offers graduates a unique opportunity to benefit from a wide range of expertise.

Dr. Alaa Nsheiwat , DigiSkills Chariman, explained that the program focuses on engaging graduates from technical and engineering fields who are seeking job opportunities and encourages them to join the available training tracks. DigiSkills aims to build a support system of distinguished training service providers, employers, and other partners committed to fostering the growth of Jordan’s digital economy.

Dr. Nabil Fayoumi, Managing Director of Digiskills, expressed his appreciation to the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship for its continuous efforts to develop digital skills, which he considers a key requirement for enhancing innovation and economic growth in Jordan. He explained that the program’s objectives align with national goals to boost employment and stimulate innovation.

The workshop was attended by partners involved in implementing the program, including Apsot for Information Technology, Ideal Innovation House, Princess Sumaya University for Technology, Al-Hussein Technical University, EnhancED E-Learning Company, Green Circle Software Industry, Future Leaders for Development and Initiatives (Orange Jordan Foundation), Summit Horizons for Training and Consulting, Miami Business Solutions, Luminus Technical University College, Galaxy Training and IT, Arab Consultants for Consulting and Investment (Khwarizmi Technical University College), and the Jordanian Youth Creativity Forum.

With the launch of this program, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship and its executive arm, DigiSkills, are set to empower the next generation by equipping them with the digital skills necessary for success in a rapidly changing digital landscape.