USAID launches Sharaka to match job market requirements with job seekers

Simultaneously, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that aspires to fulfill the aims of Sharaka was signed between Consolidated Contractors Co, the Morganti Group Inc, Al Balqa'a Applied University/Al Huson Career Development Centre and the SABEQ Program.

The launch and signing ceremony took place at Grand Hyatt Amman and were attended by high ranking officials representing all partners, dignitaries and the media.

One of the central tenets of the PPP approach is that goals and labor force needs of employers are crucial drivers behind education and training. Private sector interests are met by helping jobseekers obtain "good" jobs that offer potential for career growth, prospects for family-sustaining wages, and protection of health and safety. The signed MOU between the parties establishes a platform of cooperation to reach the common goal.

In his opening speech at the launch the Minister of Labor Dr Ghazi Shbeikat highlighted the role the Ministry was playing in devising the necessary policies that ensure work conditions and standards in Jordan are in line with international practices. He endorsed the aims of Sharaka in matching up needed skills with workforce capabilities, through training and education. The Minister said that the role of the private sector in this work is crucial as it links global labor market trends and demands with available local skills.

The involvement of the private sector in Sharaka, represented by Consolidated Contractors Company and the Morganti Group Inc. draws upon providing the needed skills for the market through vigorous training programs.

"CCC is in the process of developing a number of agreements with several parties to offer in Jordan an associate degree in piping and welding technology and supervision, as well as in Health and Safety and Environment and also in Construction Management for graduates engineers in collaboration with Al-Balqa' Applied University/Al-Huson University College/Al-Huson CDC and the Vocational Training Corporation. CCC has invested extensively in Jordanian human resources because of its belief in their high potential and the importance of developing these resources,"

said Mr Suhail Sabbagh, Director Group HR, CCC.

In her speech Ms Dana Mansouri, USAID Jordan Deputy Mission Director said: "Sharaka initiative ensures that as Jordan's youth continue to compete for 'good' employment opportunities, new graduates and job seekers have all that it takes to qualify for such jobs. USAID has been supporting the Al Huson Career Development Centre for over two years, and this new partnership will ensure benefits are disseminated for all concerned."

One of the goals of the USAID Jordan Economic Development Program (SABEQ) support for the Government of Jordan is to increase the number of jobs available to Jordanians and boost economic development. A grant has been offered to Al-Balqa' Applied University/Al-Huson University College (AHUC) to establish Al-Huson Career Development Center (CDC) to design and offer employer-specific training programs to prepare graduates for the labor market.

The USAID Jordan Economic Development Program (SABEQ) is a five year broad economic development initiative implemented by Bearing Point, Inc. and a sizeable team of international and Jordanian partner firms. By both supporting improvements in the business environment and providing assistance to expand innovation and productivity in Jordanian businesses, it supports the main objective of building up the private sector as a powerful engine of economic growth.