Minister of Labor Khaled Al-Bakar, inaugurated the 14th Career Fair organized by the Deanship of Innovation, Technology Transfer, and Entrepreneurshi at the German Jordanian University (GJU), marking the university’s 20th anniversary. The event featured participation from more than 90 local, regional, and international companies, and was attended by the Director General of the Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation (JEDCO), Mr. Muti’ Ghoneimat.
Dr. Al-Bakar emphasized the government's efforts to reconnect academic and training programs with the actual needs of the labor market, in line with the Royal Directives and under the patronage of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II. He highlighted the importance of enhancing training and qualification opportunities for Jordanian youth to increase their employability and support their economic empowerment.
The Minister stressed the need to move beyond narrow specializations in the face of rapid technological advancements, advocating for the development of interdisciplinary knowledge and skill sets. This, he said, would enable graduates to acquire core competencies applicable across various sectors.
He noted that the government is implementing an executive program derived from the National Economic Vision, developed with active participation from the private sector, academia, and professional associations. This roadmap aims to create job opportunities and achieve sustainable economic growth over the next ten years.
Dr. Al-Bakar also announced the development of a scientific and research-based data system at the Ministry of Labor, relying on accurate statistics and reliable indicators. He revealed plans to launch the “Jordan Labor Observatory,” which will monitor policy performance and ensure alignment with strategic goals, while addressing deviations when necessary.
For his part, GJU President Dr. Ala’aldeen Al-Halhouli emphasized the university’s commitment to developing its academic model to better support national industry and priorities, through partnerships grounded in shared values that drive economic growth.
He pointed out that the university’s relationship with the industrial sector has become an organic and mutually beneficial one. The establishment of the Deanship of Innovation and its inclusion in the University Council has played a vital role in achieving outstanding results.
Dr. Al-Halhouli also noted that the majority of the participating companies employ GJU graduates. Around 44% of graduates work or have launched businesses in Jordan, 28% in Germany, while the rest are employed in other countries around the world.
Dean of Innovation, Technology Transfer, and Entrepreneurship, Dr. Nidal Al-Shawareb, affirmed that the presence of major companies on campus reflects the fair’s success. He stated that GJU boasts a high employment rate, with 92% of its graduates securing jobs within three to six months of graduation. He encouraged students to build professional networks and take advantage of the expertise present at the fair to explore suitable career opportunities.
