AMMAN — The Jordan River Foundation (JRF), in partnership with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), has concluded the project “Strengthening National Institutional Capacities to Implement the Recognition of Prior Learning [RPL] Programme in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training [TVET] Sector.”

 

The two-year project, executed under the supervision of the Accreditation and Quality Assurance Commission, was implemented within the framework of the Horizons Partnership and with the support of the government of the Netherlands, according to a JRF statement.

 

The project aims to strengthen the system for recognising skills and experience that individuals acquire through work and non-formal and informal learning, and convert them into qualifications recognised under the National Qualifications Framework.

 

The project worked across two integrated phases. The first focused on strengthening the commission’s capacity to implement a system that enables individuals to demonstrate and have their skills and experience acquired through work and non-formal and informal learning recognised in accordance with the National Qualifications Framework.

 

It also focused on developing the system’s tools, procedures, assessment and certification mechanisms, alongside preparing guidance materials, implementing a national awareness campaign, and building the capacity of 50 assessors and 20 administrative staff from the commission and relevant entities to implement RPL procedures.

 

In its second phase, the project moved to the actual implementation of the system and testing its effectiveness and suitability across six sectors: agriculture, hospitality and tourism, logistics services, construction, beauty, and automotive maintenance, in five governorates of Amman, Balqa, Mafraq, Aqaba, and Irbid.

 

As part of the development of the system’s services, the RPL Self-Assessment Portal was launched in coordination with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship and the Accreditation and Quality Assurance Commission.

 

The portal enables individuals to submit and track their applications electronically. The project also contributed to developing the mechanisms for implementing the Recognition of Prior Learning system, as well as draft instructions and related legal foundations, supporting the system’s sustainability and future expansion.

 

To date, more than 850 beneficiaries have obtained professional practice certificates after undergoing theoretical and practical assessments, enhancing their ability to demonstrate their competencies and access the labour market.

 

Assistant to the President of the Accreditation and Quality Assurance Commission Yousef Abdallat affirmed that the project represents an “important” step towards establishing a national system for recognising skills and experience acquired through different pathways of learning and work.

 

He noted that the commission plays a key role in developing the system, ensuring its quality, and aligning skills with labour market needs.

 

He added that the RPL system supports lifelong learning and more flexible pathways for recognising and developing skills and competencies, including Micro-Credentials.

 

The next phase will focus on building the capacities, tools, and mechanisms to advance implementation, expansion, and sustainability through continued cooperation between national entities and international partners.

 

JRF’s Programmes Division Director Mahmoud Karaki reiterated that the foundation remains committed to supporting the Kingdom’s priorities in economic development and community empowerment.

 

“We recognise the importance of Recognition of Prior Learning as an effective tool for leveraging the skills and accumulated experience of individuals, in line with national priorities and the Economic Modernization Vision,” Karaki added.

 

He noted that JRF continues to bring together efforts with various relevant stakeholders to strengthen individuals’ access to sustainable economic opportunities, as part of the foundation’s Community Empowerment Programme.