In a move aimed at enhancing cooperation between the academic and governmental sectors, the School of Engineering at the University of Jordan, represented by the Dean of the School, Dr. Menwer Attarakih, made a field visit to the workshops of the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at the invitation of the office of His Excellency the Minister of Labor, represented by Mazen Hayasat.
This visit comes within the framework of preparations for signing a strategic partnership agreement between the University of Jordan and the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, which aims to enhance cooperation in the fields of practical training and scientific research, develop curricula in line with labor market requirements, provide field training opportunities for students of engineering specializations, and link theoretical aspects with practical applications.
The agreement also includes organizing scientific visits to engineering sites and projects supervised by the Ministry, which enhances students' ability to absorb practical and professional aspects.
Through this partnership, the university and the ministry aim to implement productive applied projects that contribute to developing the infrastructure and meeting the needs of the engineering sector in Jordan. The agreement will also include research cooperation and joint supervision of graduation projects, with a focus on designing and implementing research models that provide innovative engineering solutions.
The Dean of the School of Engineering, Dr Menwer Attarakih, stressed that this partnership represents a qualitative step towards strengthening the relationship between the university and the ministry, saying: "We seek to build strong bridges between academic education and practical application; to enable our students to acquire skills and experiences that qualify them to enter the labor market efficiently."
Attarakih pointed out that training students in the ministry's workshops will provide them with a unique opportunity to learn about the latest technologies and practical practices. The field tour included reviewing the capabilities available in the ministry's workshops, where the School of Engineering team expressed their admiration for the advanced facilities that can support practical training programs for students. It was agreed to work together to rehabilitate the School of Engineering workshops at the University of Jordan to be in line with modern technical standards.
The meeting was attended from the Ministry of Public Works and Housing by: Eng. Abdul Aziz Al-Dhiabat, Director of the Financial and Administrative Affairs Department, Eng. Khaldoun Al-Shuraidah, Director of the Technical Affairs Department, Eng. Saba Al-Awdat, Director of the Investment and International Cooperation Unit, and Eng. Yazan Al-Atiyat, Director of Transportation.
From the School of Engineering, Dr. Adham Al-Sharqawi, Vice Dean for Quality and Classifications Affairs, Dr. Osaid Matar, Assistant Dean for Training and Graduates Affairs, Dr. Mudar Al-Zghoul, Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department, and Dr. Muhannad Jreisat from the Industrial Engineering Department.
At the end of the tour, the two parties affirmed their aspiration to sign the agreement soon, stressing the importance of this partnership in achieving common goals that contribute to developing the engineering sector and serving university students, in a way that supports Jordan's aspirations towards sustainable development.