Increasing Knowledge-Intensive Employment Opportunities for Jordanians in the Jordanian Garment Sector

The garment sector plays a significant role in Jordan’s industrial economy and export base, yet Jordanian participation in knowledge-intensive and supervisory roles remains limited. This Capstone project, conducted in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Better Work Jordan, investigated the underlying reasons behind this underrepresentation and proposes actionable strategies to improve domestic workforce participation in higher-value roles across the sector.

The research draws on more than 40 stakeholder interviews with employers, workers, government officials, and education institutions, alongside a review of policy documents and international case studies from Egypt, Vietnam, and Bangladesh. Findings highlight structural gaps in education-to-industry pipelines, widespread social stigma and negative perceptions of the sector, limited internal promotion pathways, and a persistent preference for non-Jordanian workers in mid-level positions due to experience, commitment, and longer contract durations. 

The report presented strategic recommendations to reposition the garment sector as a viable career path for Jordanian youth. It proposes rebranding efforts, skills alignment programs, and employer incentives designed to improve visibility, build local talent pipelines, and reduce turnover. The report also outlined ways to leverage existing government platforms, including Ministry of Labour job fairs and factory-based focal points, to enhance outreach and institutional coordination. Ultimately, this study aimed to support Jordan’s broader Economic Modernization Vision by strengthening the garment sector’s ability to attract, retain, and develop Jordanian talent for sustainable, knowledge-based growth.