Jordan ICT workshop looks into workforce in the industry

This event was held by The German-Jordanian University (GJU) in cooperation with the MoICT, Information Technology Association - Jordan - int@j and with the support of EU commission - Education and Culture TEMPUS and USAID- Jordan Economic Development Program (SABEQ).

The workshop presented the results of a comprehensive survey on workforce needs and requirements in the ICT sector. The findings show that there is a growing workforce gap in ICT sector. The survey aimed to contribute to the development of a new vision for ICT education which centered on a commitment to build ICT workforce qualified for the local and regional ICT and knowledge intensive industries.

His Excellency Eng. Rousan said: "This study seeks to identify ways in which to bridge the underlying gap between industry demands and workforce supply in the ICT sector by highlighting "quality education" as a force of change tailored to meet the needs of the market and strategic employment. More importantly, the results of this survey call for building a solid backbone that can inherit, carry and sustain successful models of intergovernmental cooperation and collaboration networks with leaders from industry, academia and civil society, including the research community.

Creating a flexible and integrated system or a "network of networks" that can address the recommendations provided by the study through a coherent and coordinated sector policy and strategy on education and employment."

"Through our cooperation with the industry, the University will develop modern and practical ICT related educational programs that are compatible with international standards and competitive with the increasing demands of the regional market and ICT sector requirements in the global marketplace," said Professor Labib Khadra, president of the German-Jordanian University.

On his behalf, Mr. Rodirgo Ortiz, USAID Jordan Economic Development Program ((SABEQ) Chief of Party stated: "We assisted the German Jordan University, along with other academic organizations and the ICT industry, in developing a national cooperative framework for professional education and training driven by the needs and requirements of the Information Communication and Technology sector. This framework will help the Jordanian ICT industry grow and flourish provided the quality and relevance of technology education changes to meet the demands of the sector. Thus, relevant demand driven academic programs that prepare students well to meet the labor market demands in this sector or are essential for the success of this industry."

"USAID's Jordan Economic Development Program (SABEQ) is proud to support the Ministry or Information Communication and Technology and the academic sector for their efforts in enhancing the country's ICT standards that will, in turn, result in economic growth," he added.