Amman, Jordan–A government-sponsored program in Jordan has helped place 20,000 people into private sector jobs since its launch in April 2022.
According to the Jordan News Agency (Petra), the National Employment Program (Tashgheel) has helped 673 men and 877 women, who are beneficiaries of the National Aid Fund, secure employment in 935 private sector businesses since its launch.
The industry sector got the lion’s share of employment with 30 percent, followed by education at 22 percent, and tourism at 21 percent.
The industries with the lowest employment rates were 2 percent in the mining sector, 1 percent in the organization and foreign body activities, and 0.03 in electricity, gas, and air conditioning.
The National Employment Program (Tashgheel) seeks to provide 60,000 job opportunities in accordance with the private sector’s demand. After employment, beneficiaries are also trained through the program if in need.
Also read: Jordan looks to partner with private sector to prop up economy
Since the program’s inception, private sector organizations and businesses have made available a total of 56,903 job openings, with 38 percent located in Amman, 29 percent in Irbid, 13 percent in Aqaba, 8 percent in Zarqa, 4 percent in Karak, and 1 percent each in Ajloun, Tafileh, Balqa, Mafraq, Jerash, Madaba, and Maan.
A total of 53,143 job seekers registered for the program, 26,258 of whom were female and 26,885 of whom were male. The proportion of job seekers with a bachelor’s degree or higher was 40 percent.
“Tashgheel”, for which the government has already earmarked JD80 million, aims to create 60,000 private-sector jobs. Under the scheme, a man or woman employed by a private sector entity will receive a JD130 monthly wage subsidy for a maximum of six months, provided that the employer offers the employee a one-year contract at least.
Moreover, the program also entails a JD10 contribution to the worker’s monthly social security premium and a similar amount as a transportation allowance for a maximum of 6 months.
