HTU and USAID ESSA signed a Letter of Cooperation

(27th of April, 2023, Tuesday) - AMMAN - Al Hussein Technical University (HTU) and the USAID Energy Sector Support Activity (ESSA) have signed a Letter of Cooperation (LoC) aimed at building the capacity of youth in Jordan and preparing them for career opportunities in the energy sector. The LoC includes designing and implementing a unique apprenticeship program for Jordanian youth in the energy sector, with a focus on women empowerment for employment, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

As per the agreement, HTU will engage with USAID ESSA in designing an innovative Youth in Energy Apprenticeship Program, build the capacity of Jordanian youth in the energy sector, and coordinate with USAID ESSA and other partners to fulfill Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) requirements for the apprenticeship program.

The letter was signed by Prof. Ismail Al Hinti, President of Al-Hussein Technical University, and (Mary Worzala, Chief of Party of the USAID Energy Sector Support Activity.

Commenting on the agreement, Hinti said, "We are proud to collaborate with the USAID Energy Sector Support Activity to prepare the youth in Jordan for a successful career in the energy sector. This cooperation will contribute to building the capacity of our youth in this sector and create new opportunities for them to contribute to the sustainable development of our country."

From her side, Worzala said, “Our gender and youth assessment documented Jordanian youth’s strong interest in the energy sector, but few have opportunities for hands-on experience to better prepare them for jobs in the market. We are delighted to partner with HTU to inspire Jordan’s young women and men to join the energy sector and play a vital role in Jordan’s energy transition..”

This agreement is a significant step in empowering Jordanian youth, especially women, in the energy sector and will undoubtedly help in shaping the future of the industry in the country. The meeting featured a tour of the university's facilities to assess the newest technology used in the teaching process, as well as a tour of the university's German Energy Academy. At the end of the meeting, there was a discussion session titled "Constructing a Sustainable Future," moderated by Eng. Maysoon Khreisat, in which Deloitte Director Debbie Sales participated; Richard Longstaff from Deloitte, and Ammar Jarrar; Vice President of USAID’s Energy Sector Support Activity.

It is worth noting that HTU is one of the initiatives of the Crown Prince Foundation. It is a non-profit, private Jordanian national university that provides an educational model that enhances basic and technical skills in the various engineering fields required for the labor market. It mainly seeks to reduce the gap between theoretical knowledge and applications. The process, and the promotion of the spirit of initiative and the creative and intellectual energies of students. The university also works to serve the local community by providing training programs targeting university students looking for work. It also works to inform and expand the perceptions of school students from various governorates in the Jordan on the latest scientific and practical specializations required in the labor market.

USAID’s Energy Sector Support Activity is a market-focused program that supports the Government of Jordan to implement the Kingdom’s economic reform plans within its public institutions, with the goal to improve the energy sector’s sustainability and self-reliance. The Activity will leverage the power of the private sector to catalyze Jordan’s power, gas, and petroleum industries toward a more resilient future,

improve the financial stability of Jordan’s public institutions, and enable new investment to improve the energy sector’s sustainability. ESSA’s activities will promote increased access to energy and participation in the energy sector for women and young Jordanians.