As Salt, December 24, 2019: The delegation of university professors and lecturers from Al-Balqa Applied University and Tafileh Technical University visited the President of Al-Balqa Applied University, Dr. Abdullah Al-Zoubi on Tuesday, with the attendance of representatives from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). 

In Jordan, a number of hybrid and electric vehicles are widely utilized. According to the Jordanian Free Zones Investors Association (JFZIA), 23,014 hybrid vehicles and 9,228 electric vehicles were cleared in Jordan in 2018. While the number in 2019 is expected to be lower due to the change of tax exemption measurement, there still remain huge demands for highly skilled technicians for maintenance of hybrid and electric vehicles. 

With the request from Al-Balqa Applied University, through the Government of Jordan, JICA is organizing an intensive technical training program on the maintenance of hybrid and electric vehicles, which will be conducted in Japan from 17 January to 2 February 2020. The training will be implemented with prominent Japanese private firms as well as a recognized Japanese training institution for automotive professionals. 

The University President, Prof. Abdullah Al-Zoubi said, "We appreciate the cooperation with JICA for supporting the technical education in Jordan. I strongly encourage the participants of this training program to take this opportunity at a maximum to absorb Japanese technology and know-how and transfer these knowledge to students in various colleges across the Kingdom.” 

Mr. Noriharu Masugi, Senior Representative of JICA Jordan Office stated, "As the unemployment is the pressing agenda for Jordan, JICA will continue supporting Jordan’s technical and vocational education and training (TVET). This training program aims to enhance the quality of technical education in key technical universities and to facilitate the skills development which matches with the demand from labour market.” 

Eight professors and lecturers will join this training program, from Ma'an University College, Al Huson University College and Faculty of Engineering Technology (Polytechnic) as well as Tafileh Technical University. Another training program in Japan is currently scheduled in 2021 for other group of academics.