- 15 Jun 2025
Skills4Work II is a transformative Three-year project aimed at empowering both Jordanian host communities and refugees by providing demand-driven skills development. This project, designed to tackle high unemployment rates and economic instability, focuses on enhancing employability, creating job opportunities, and promoting sustainable livelihoods. Through a collaborative approach involving local stakeholders, Skills4Work II strengthens the local job market, focusing on individuals and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).
Skills4Work II promotes sustainable livelihoods by providing individuals with skills that ensure long-term employability. The project also empowers marginalized groups, particularly women and refugees, fostering economic inclusion and contributing to Jordan’s broader economic resilience. By building partnerships with SMEs and local stakeholders, the project supports sustainable economic growth and strengthens the labor market.
Strategic Approach
The approach of Skills4Work II is rooted in the active involvement of key local partners, with the goal of creating sustainable employment opportunities for both refugees and host communities. The project focuses on understanding the labor market demands and aligning the skills of job seekers with these needs. It also aims to support Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) by developing their capacities to create new job opportunities. The project’s strategic outreach plan involves close collaboration with VTCs adapting its approach based on the evolving employment conditions and needs of both individuals and SMEs.
Challenges Addressed
Jordan faces numerous challenges that contribute to high unemployment rates, particularly among youth and refugees. Key issues include economic instability, income inequality, and a lack of formal job opportunities, compounded by limited access to vocational training and career development resources. Furthermore, there is a significant skills mismatch between the labor market demands and the available workforce. Skills4Work II aims to address these issues by equipping job seekers with the skills required by SMEs and providing training to reduce the reliance on informal labor.
Job Placement Model in Skills4Work II
The Skills4Work II project in Jordan aims to enhance employability and create job opportunities for both refugees and Jordanian host communities by aligning training with the needs of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The job placement model focuses on several key strategies:
- Targeted Skills Training: The project provides participants with both soft and technical skills tailored to the demands of SMEs in sectors such as manufacturing, garments, plastics, food processing, and cosmetics. Training is conducted across various governorates, including Amman, Ajloun, and Irbid, ensuring accessibility to diverse populations.
- Apprenticeships and Job Placements: After completing training, participants are offered apprenticeship opportunities with local SMEs. These apprenticeships serve as a bridge to full-time employment, allowing trainees to gain practical experience and demonstrate their capabilities to potential employers. The project aims to facilitate 40 new full-time positions through this pathway.
- SME Capacity Building: Skills4Work II supports SMEs by providing business development services, including equipment purchases, technical and managerial training, access to experts, financial planning, and marketing consultancy. This support enhances the SMEs’ ability to create new job opportunities and integrate trained individuals into their workforce.
- Gender and Social Inclusion: The project places a strong emphasis on gender inclusivity and social protection, aiming to empower women, youth, and individuals with disabilities. By addressing social disparities, Skills4Work II strives to create equitable employment opportunities and promote sustainable livelihoods.
This comprehensive approach ensures that training and employment opportunities are closely aligned with market needs, enhancing job placement rates and contributing to the economic resilience of both refugees and host communities in Jordan.
Benefits of Job Placement Models for Stakeholders
- For Job Seekers: The placement model offers various benefits, including access to job opportunities that match their skills, career counseling, hands-on training, and increased workforce readiness. These models help job seekers develop confidence, improve their interview skills, and gain real-world experience.
- For SMEs: SMEs benefit from having access to a pool of qualified candidates trained specifically to meet their staffing needs. They can reduce hiring costs by assessing candidates’ performance through on-the-job training before offering permanent positions. Additionally, SMEs enjoy enhanced productivity and better employee retention rates.
- For VTCs: Vocational Training Centers gain financial benefits through increased student enrollment and training activities. Their involvement in the project helps raise their visibility and builds long-term partnerships with SMEs, enhancing the quality of training programs.
Community and Economic Impact
The broader community impact of Skills4Work II is significant, contributing to economic growth and social stability in Jordan. The project promotes youth and women empowerment, offering tailored training and job placement for underrepresented groups. By aligning skills with labor market needs, Skills4Work II not only supports individuals in gaining meaningful employment but also contributes to local economic growth. The result is reduced poverty, increased social inclusion, and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods.
Skills4Work II is not just a project; it’s a long-term commitment to building a more resilient, inclusive, and empowered workforce in Jordan. Through collaboration with SMEs, VTCs, and community organizations, Skills4Work II is making a significant impact on local economies and contributing to a more sustainable future for Jordan’s workforce.
By addressing the unique challenges faced by refugees and marginalized communities, Skills4Work II offers a comprehensive, multi-phase approach to job placement that is transforming the landscape of employment in Jordan.