His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday, accompanied by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, inaugurated the Jaguar Land Rover Apprentice Academy in Amman.

The academy, the first of its kind regionally, offers young Jordanians the opportunity to enrol in its programmes in the field of automotive technology, qualifying them for employment in the local and international markets, according to a Royal Court statement.

During the visit, King Abdullah urged young Jordanians to pursue vocational training, which is currently in demand, expressing pride in the trainees enrolled in the academy for their keenness to hone their skills in automotive technology, which will open new opportunities for them in the future.

His Majesty said the academy is a model for other companies to set up projects that serve youth and provide employment opportunities, stressing the media’s role in highlighting the potential of vocational training.

According to the academy — founded by Mahmoudia Motors, Jaguar and Land Rover dealer in Jordan — students enrolled in its programmes receive training free of charge, as part of its corporate social responsibility. Those interested can apply through Al Hussein Technical University (HTU).

The King toured the academy’s teaching halls and training workshops, and was briefed on the various stages of practical and theoretical training, which extends over 18 months in automotive maintenance workshops, and is delivered through cooperation agreements with HTU, the Ministry of Labour, and the National Service Programme.

Upon passing the practical and theory exams, the trainees obtain the accreditation of the academy in the UK, enabling them to compete in the local and global job markets.

During the visit, His Majesty met with students enrolled in the academy from HTU and the National Service Programme.

Amanda Al Shaer, the academy’s only female trainee, spoke about her experience in the academy and gave a practical demonstration of the skills she has gained through the training.

For their part, regional trainer Rafik Hassan, Jordan’s head of training Imad Yared, and electrification strategy manager at Jaguar Land Rover UK Nadia Hdairis, also gave briefings on the advanced electro-mechanical systems used in the workshops.