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Ministry seeks to increase admissions in technical programmes

By Dana Al Emam - Feb 09,2017 - Last updated at Feb 09,2017

AMMAN — In a bid to bridge the gap between higher education outcomes and labour market needs, the Higher Education Ministry seeks to increase university admissions in technical programmes and enhance incentives for students, according to a senior official.

The move is part of the ministry’s implementation of the National Strategy for Human Resources Development, whereby admission to technical programmes is planned to increase from its current 8 per cent rate to 45 per cent by 2025, Minister Adel Tweisi said at a meeting with reporters on Tuesday.

The plan also entails a 2 per cent annual increase in the number of students accepted in technical programmes through army scholarships over four years. 

In addition to a 1 per cent annual increase in the number of students accepted in these programmes through Education Ministry scholarships over five years.

“The ministry will soon endorse this system,” Tweisi said.

In addition, the ministry mulls endorsing a gradual 5 per cent drop in the number of community college students allowed to pursue their education at universities for a bachelor’s degree. 

This cut will be implemented over the next four years, until admission drops by 20 per cent.

To encourage student enrolment in technical programmes, the ministry has proposed a number of professional incentives for holders of technical degrees, and they are currently in the pipeline.

Moreover, unemployed graduates of stagnant and saturated academic disciplines are to be allowed to enrol in technical programmes, in cooperation with the Civil Service Bureau, to enhance their employment chances, Tweisi said.

 

Plans also include revamping current study plans for technical programmes, as well as educating high school students on opportunities in this field.

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