Al-Sawafeen: The “Culture of Shame” Is Declining
☐ Al-Sawafeen: The “Culture of Shame” Is Declining… and Jordan Is Entering the “Age of Skills, Not Degrees”
☐ Al-Sawafeen: Young People Are Becoming More Realistic in Choosing Careers, Asking About Salaries and Career Paths Before Making Decisions
The Director General of the Vocational Training Corporation, Eng. Raafat Al-Sawafeen, said that the “culture of shame” is no longer as prevalent as it once was among Jordanian youth, noting that economic conditions and the difficulty of securing office jobs have encouraged young people and their parents to adopt a more realistic approach to career choices.
During an interview with Al Mamlaka TV, Al-Sawafeen explained that young people’s perception of vocational careers has changed significantly. Such careers are no longer associated solely with traditional manual work, but have become increasingly linked to technology, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and green skills, as well as the needs of local, regional, and international labor markets.
Jordan Is Living in the “Age of Skills, Not Degrees”
Al-Sawafeen said that Jordan is currently living in the “age of skills, not degrees,” which has contributed to increased interest in vocational and technical education and training.
He noted that young people are becoming more focused on their professional futures, asking about salaries, income, and the availability of a clear career path before choosing a profession. He emphasized that this trend reflects a shift in young people’s perception of vocational careers and their connection to employment opportunities and job stability.
Lack of Clear Career Paths Is One Reason Young People Avoid Certain Occupations
Regarding the presence of foreign workers in some occupations, Al-Sawafeen explained that this does not necessarily mean that Jordanians reject these professions because of the “culture of shame.” Rather, the lack of clear career paths has been one of the reasons for their reluctance to enter certain occupations.
He added: “If a Jordanian young person is offered a job with a decent salary and a clear career path, they will put the culture of shame aside.”
Vocational Training Programs Go Beyond Technical Skills
Regarding vocational training programs, Al-Sawafeen said that the Corporation applies local and European standards, in addition to the dual training system used in Germany, noting that training programs are no longer limited to the technical aspects of a profession.
He explained that the programs also include artificial intelligence related to specific occupations, digital skills, languages, occupational safety and health, entrepreneurship, and life skills relevant to the labor market.