Sectoral Policies and Initiatives in Vocational Training

Law No. 31 and the National Disability Strategy address the issues of availability, accessibility and adaptability of vocational training for persons with disabilities. Under Article 4c of Law No. 31, persons with physical disabilities are granted the right to vocational training. The Article acknowledges the need to build the capacities of vocational trainers to deal with the needs of persons with disabilities. 

Similarly, the National Strategy recognizes the importance of vocational training in preparing persons with disabilities for the labour market and increasing their economic participation. In this regard, the Strategy addresses a number of issues of concern. It underlines the insufficient number of vocational training centres, especially in rural areas. The Strategy also recognizes the need to develop the qualifications of trainers to deal with persons with disabilities, adapt the curricula of vocational training centres and upgrade the programmes. 

Moreover, the need to facilitate the access of persons with disabilities to vocational training is highlighted in the National Mine Action Plan and the Youth Strategy.

The Vocational Training Corporation is the official body in Jordan that provides vocational training. It is also the organization that provides vocational training to the largest number of people.  Currently, there are 57 vocational training centres distributed among all governorates in the country, including six that are accommodated for persons with physical disabilities in the three regions in Jordan.[1]

Within the framework of cooperation between the Vocational Training Corporation and HCAPD, committees for the training of persons with physical disabilities have been formed to follow up on the needs of persons with disabilities.

Besides the Vocational Training Corporation, vocational training for persons with physical disabilities is provided by two other parties, namely: State-owned vocational training centres at Russaifa and Irbid, which are operated by the Ministry of Social Development; and NGOs. Specialization of vocational training programmes includes, among others, tailoring, carpentry, hairdressing, manufacturing and goldsmith apprenticeships.