As noted before, the purpose of this assessment is to provide an external, forward-looking analysis of human capital development issues in Jordan and discuss VET policy responses to these issues in order to identify challenges related to education and training policy and practice that hinder the development and use of human capital.

Jordan has put in place a range of strategies for social and economic development in all sectors under the responsibility of its government, many of which concern policies for human capital development through VET. At the time of this assessment, the planning and implementation of these strategies were taking place amid challenging socio-economic conditions marked by economic pressures resulting from demographic and migration developments and political instability in the region. Human capital development policies were expected to address the present needs of a large, increasingly diverse group of vulnerable people and of youth, all while catering to expectations for long-term progress towards building a competitive, innovative and equitable economy.

Under the circumstances, the progress achieved so far is all the more remarkable, but problems appear to persist. They include the limited capacity of education and training providers to deliver opportunities for practical experience to students, difficulties in involving employers more effectively, the mobilisation of proper, regular involvement from employers, the attraction of a more diverse selection of students in terms of socio-economic background, and the mobilisation of the full labour market potential of large swaths of the population, most notably women.

Still, the evidence analysed in the preparation of this assessment suggest that there are strong reasons to conclude that TVET is set on a good course to become a highly responsive and relevant segment of the skills development system in Jordan, as envisaged in most of the country's national plans for prosperity and economic advancement. For this to happen, a key condition is to ensure consistency, continuity, and a steady commitment to improvement across the board among all the institutions and stakeholder groups that are involved in HCD and TVET-related reforms. The establishment of the new Technical and Vocational Skills Development Commission is a cause for much hope in this respect.