Second batch of trainees graduates from ‘Pathways to Professionalism’ programme

AMMAN — Twenty-one hotels on Tuesday celebrated the graduation of the second batch of trainees from the “Pathways to Professionalism” programme, aimed at “meeting the growing need of the hotel sector in Jordan while overcoming the obstacles that prevent many employees from continuing their education”.

The training programme was launched in 2016, as a joint effort between USAID’s Building Economic Sustainability through Tourism  project, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Vocational Training Corporation, with the support of the Ministry of Labour and the Centre of Accreditation and Quality Assurance. 

Providing on-the-job training for hotel employees, the programme offers students the opportunity to obtain practical training in the hotel they work at, to later take a final exam in order to receive national certification and credit for professional development. 

A total of 52 employees were awarded vocational training certificates of completion, while 73 other employees were recognised as Pathway trainers, coordinators and examiners. 

At the ceremony, Pathways graduate, Mohammed Abu Al Ragheb, told The Jordan Times that the programme gave him “the opportunity to develop his career and learn something new”, despite having worked at several hotels before enrolling in the programme. 

“I feel like I am ready to achieve what I want now, and that makes me really happy,” he expressed. 

Samer Tarawneh, also a trainee, was hesitant before taking the course. “My English was not very good, so I was not really sure about this, but my colleagues and trainers at the hotel encouraged me, and now I would like to invest more time in studying English,” he said. 

“With this programme, I have gained the experience and certificate I need to keep moving forward towards my goal, which is to become a manager,” said the trainee, who moved from the Jordan Valley to Amman to pursue his career. 

Tourism Minister Lina Annab attended the graduation ceremony where she congratulated the trainees, stating that “we cannot transform Jordan into a world-class destination without the human element, the will and the determination of the stars we have here today”.

Lewis Tatem, acting mission director at USAID Jordan, stated that “the graduates’ hardwork in improving their skills and knowledge is key to raising the service standards in Jordanian hotels,” adding that “tourism is one of the major sectors in Jordan with a very significant contribution to the national economy.”

Tatem also announced that Fairmont Hotel Amman, Amman Rotana and Boulevard Arjaan by Rotana will be joining the programme in the next session, increasing the number of participating hotels from
21 to 24.