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Jordan: In a recent development, Pearson, the world’s leading learning company has gained approval and recognition from the Kingdom of Jordan’s Ministry of Education for Pearson’s BTEC Higher National qualifications at HNC and HND level, as an equivalent to the intermediate diploma degree in Jordan. This recognition would apply to BTEC Higher National qualifications that are not embedded in a national degree programme.
63% of Jordan’s population is under the age of 30 and boasts a 99% literacy rate, according to UNICEF, with high secondary and higher education enrolment rates across a variety of sectors. However, the unemployment rate among this demographic continues to rise, with 20.4% unemployment reported in November 2020 by CEIC data, and the number is likely to increase in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Female participation in Jordan is equally represented in education overall, but clear preference is given to general education over TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) because of a lack of knowledge surrounding TVET careers.
The initiative to recognize BTEC Higher Nationals hopes to accelerate the growth of TVET programmes in Jordan, in line with the government’s objective to bridge the skills gap and provide graduates with more opportunities in the current and future local, national, and global labor markets.
Commenting on the development, Jane Baker, Vice-President Higher Education Qualifications, Pearson Education said, “The technological revolution across the globe is changing the fundamental nature of work across industries and sectors, causing a major skills gap in today’s workforce, while simultaneously causing disruption in productivity. For ambitious nations, it is essential to equip individuals with skills that can help them transform their organization. Skills-focused programmes with an applied approach help learners build their confidence, strengthen their capabilities and empower them to meet the current demands of the market.”
Jane added, “Our Pearson BTEC Higher National qualifications, designed in partnership with industry, support skills acquisition through learning, and we are pleased to deliver an ideal choice for learners seeking an affordable and relevant route to progress in their career.”
Skills gaps can be a major factor in impacting a country’s potential economic growth. Businesses are affected negatively by the skills mismatch in terms of additional expenditures on employee training and loss of competitiveness in the market.
Efficient TVET programmes provide learners with the necessary tools to minimize the risk of prolonged labor market inactivity, which can have lasting effects on their long-term career prospects. Pearson is keen to support the Government and the Ministry of Labor to develop the economy with the promotion of TVET qualifications, to influence public perception on the growing importance of TVET and its role in reducing skills gaps.
Ms. Bridget Brind OBE, Her Majesty's Ambassador to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, commented: “I am delighted to hear that Pearson BTEC Higher National qualifications have now received recognition in Jordan. As career-focused qualifications, Higher Nationals will give young Jordanians the knowledge and skills they need to move through higher education or go straight into employment, helping them to access job opportunities, supporting the local economy and driving skills growth in Jordan. This year, over 3,000 students in Jordan are choosing to do a Higher National Certificate or Higher National Diploma to help them progress in their career in a wide variety of specializations, from Art & Design to Aeronautical Engineering. In fast-growing sectors such as Computing and Cloud Computing, this qualification is a perfect example of what is needed to close the skills gap in the country."
Easy-to-access modular BTEC qualifications not only facilitate learners with practical training but open new doors into rewarding careers in STEM, Health, Entrepreneurship, Sport, Business, IT, Media, Art & Design, Creatives and much more, to empower them with job-ready skills and confidence to progress onto further education or employment. To know more about the BTEC Higher National qualifications, visit https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-higher-nationals.html
© Press Release 2021
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