Aqaba: The Water and Irrigation Ministry and Youth Ministry have reviewed preparations for a program aimed at training national workers for the National Carrier Project. This review was conducted in cooperation with the National Employment and Training Company (NET) during a coordination meeting held at the Aqaba National Vocational Training (ANVT).
According to Jordan News Agency, the meeting was attended by Water and Irrigation Minister Raed Abu Soud, Youth Minister Raed Adwan, and NET Director-General Brig. Gen. Anwar Khaldi. They discussed mechanisms for implementing the training program, which is funded by the U.S. The program aims to train Jordanian youth according to the project's technical requirements, thereby enhancing employment opportunities and supplying the project with qualified national talent.
Minister Abu Soud emphasized that the National Carrier Project is a strategic initiative to bolster the kingdom's water security. He also highlighted the program as an opportunity to invest in Jordanian human capital, equipping national workers with the technical skills necessary to execute the project to the highest international standards. The ministry attaches significant importance to training Jordanian youth, enabling them to benefit from the job opportunities the project will generate, which will positively impact economic and social development across Jordan's governorates.
The program is seen as a model of effective partnership between government institutions, the private sector, and international partners, enhancing the readiness of national talent to participate in major infrastructure projects. Abu Soud praised the U.S. government's support in funding the program, which aids in building sustainable national capacity and raises the competitiveness of Jordan's workforce.
Youth Minister Raed Adwan stated that the training program aligns with the royal vision on youth empowerment and participation in national initiatives. It reflects the government's commitment to economic modernization by linking training to real labor market opportunities. Adwan views the National Carrier Project as a vital national project offering an opportunity to develop national talent and prepare Jordanian youth for related career paths.
Brig. Gen. Anwar Khaldi expressed that the NET takes pride in its role in implementing the training program by providing specialized training that adheres to the highest professional standards. The program is expected to create around 4,000 jobs during the construction phase, generating demand for technical trades such as welding, pipefitting, and electrical work.
Launching initially in Aqaba, the program aims to address the project's workforce needs and will later expand to cover all of Jordan's governorates. The first phase targets training approximately 500 young men and women in priority trades, offering competency-based training programs leading to internationally recognized certifications, including those from the American Welding Society (AWS).
The adoption of U.S. professional certification standards ensures that young people can acquire technical skills of global standards, enhancing their readiness for the labor market. The program will be implemented by specialized training providers, including the NET Company and Gulf Company, with funding from the U.S. government and cooperation with national institutions and the private sector to build national technical capacity and boost youth participation in strategic projects across the kingdom.