DAE Unit Joramco Launches Aviation Training Programme in Partnership with Amideast: Addressing Global Workforce Shortages and Empowering Jordanian Youth

Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) Ltd.’s engineering division, Joramco, has launched a strategic aviation training programme in partnership with the U.S.-based nonprofit Amideast. The initiative, formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed on July 10, 2025, aims to equip 60 Jordanian youth aged 18–30 with vital English language, digital, and interpersonal skills. Backed by Boeing and implemented in collaboration with Jordan’s Ministry of Youth, this programme represents a significant step in addressing both regional unemployment and the global shortage of aviation maintenance technicians.

This partnership aligns with broader industry trends and economic needs. As the aviation sector continues to grow, so does the demand for skilled maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) personnel. The Joramco-Amideast initiative not only creates a sustainable talent pipeline for Jordan’s aviation sector but also presents a replicable model for workforce development across the Middle East and North Africa region.

Background: Joramco and Amideast

Joramco’s Role in Global Aviation

Joramco, headquartered in Amman at Queen Alia International Airport, serves as the engineering arm of DAE. Originally established in 1963, the company has grown into a leading MRO provider with certifications from EASA, FAA, and CARC. Since DAE acquired a majority stake in 2016, Joramco has expanded its capabilities, now operating five hangars with the capacity to service up to 22 aircraft simultaneously.

Under the leadership of CEO Fraser Currie, Joramco has reported consistent revenue growth, with a 26% increase in the first half of 2023 alone. The company services global carriers such as Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and Air Arabia, contributing approximately $120 million annually to Jordan’s GDP.

This growth trajectory aligns with DAE’s broader goal of capturing a significant share of the $700.8 billion global MRO market. As part of this strategy, Joramco is actively investing in workforce development to meet the increasing demand for skilled technicians.

Amideast’s Educational Mission

Founded in 1951, Amideast is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization focused on strengthening educational and cultural ties between the United States and the Middle-East and North Africa. Operating in over 20 countries, Amideast delivers programs in English language training, professional development, and scholarship facilitation.

In Jordan, Amideast has made significant strides in youth empowerment through its “Careers in Aviation” initiative. Since its launch in 2024, the program has graduated 54 students, 61% of whom were women. Many of these graduates have secured internships and full-time positions within the aviation sector.

The current partnership with Joramco marks the third edition of this program and represents a strategic expansion into technical training for aircraft maintenance roles, a crucial need in the industry.

The Careers in Aviation Program

Training Components and Curriculum

The 2025 edition of the Careers in Aviation program includes a comprehensive curriculum divided into three core areas: English language proficiency, digital literacy, and soft skills development. Participants will undergo 240 hours of English training focused on aviation terminology and technical documentation, ensuring they meet industry communication standards.

In addition, 120 hours will be dedicated to digital skills, including training on aircraft diagnostic software and data analytics tools commonly used in MRO operations. Soft skills modules will cover teamwork, safety protocols, and crisis management, key competencies identified by leading aerospace companies.

This curriculum is designed in collaboration with Joramco’s technical team to ensure alignment with real-world industry requirements, bridging the gap between academic training and operational readiness.

“This collaboration isn’t charity, it’s competitive necessity. By 2028, our expansion to 22 hangar bays will require 400 new technicians.”, Fraser Currie, CEO of Joramco

Partnership Structure and Employment Guarantees

Joramco’s involvement extends beyond curriculum development. The company will provide senior engineers to lead weekly workshops and facilitate hands-on training using a dedicated Boeing 737NG aircraft. Training will adhere to EASA Part-147 standards, covering areas such as composite repair, avionics, and landing gear maintenance.

Importantly, the MoU includes a commitment from Joramco to hire successful graduates into its maintenance divisions. This employment guarantee is a first in Jordan’s aviation training landscape and offers a direct pathway into the workforce for young participants.

With Jordan’s youth unemployment rate exceeding 22%, this initiative provides a timely solution by creating high-skill, high-demand job opportunities, while also addressing Joramco’s need to fill over 200 technical roles annually.

Industry Context: Global MRO and Workforce Challenges

Shortage of Skilled Technicians

The global aviation industry is facing a significant shortage of maintenance technicians. According to Oliver Wyman, the sector will experience a 27% shortfall, equivalent to 48,000 technicians, by 2027. This is due to an aging workforce, limited training capacity, and a lack of interest among younger generations.

In the Middle East, the situation is even more pressing. MRO demand in the region is growing at a rate of 4.1% annually, driven by fleet expansions from major carriers such as Emirates and Qatar Airways. This growth outpaces the global average and puts additional pressure on local training and recruitment efforts.

By investing in local talent through structured training programs, companies like Joramco can reduce reliance on expatriate labor and build a more sustainable workforce pipeline.

Operational and Economic Impact

Maintenance delays already account for 12% of flight cancellations worldwide, costing airlines billions annually. The shortage of certified technicians has also driven up wages significantly, with some roles now commanding a $19/hour premium.

These challenges underscore the importance of initiatives like the Careers in Aviation program. By localizing training and employment, the program helps stabilize operational costs while enhancing service reliability.

Furthermore, the program supports Jordan’s broader economic goals by contributing to GDP growth and reducing unemployment through high-value job creation.

Strategic and Societal Impact in Jordan

Positioning Jordan as an MRO Hub

Jordan’s government views Joramco as a strategic asset in its efforts to establish the country as a regional MRO hub. The company’s expansion plans, which include new facilities for widebody aircraft maintenance, are supported by government land allocations and infrastructure investments.

By ensuring a steady supply of trained technicians, the partnership with Amideast enhances Jordan’s competitiveness in the global MRO market. It also supports the country’s Vision 2035, which aims to secure a 5% share of the regional MRO market by 2030.

With an estimated need for 1,200 additional technicians by the end of the decade, programs like this are essential for meeting future labor demands.

Empowering Youth and Promoting Inclusion

One of the program’s standout features is its focus on inclusivity. The 2024 cohort achieved a 61% female participation rate, significantly above global averages for technical aviation roles. This was achieved through targeted outreach and support for women in underserved regions.

Graduates have reported substantial improvements in career prospects and income levels. For example, one participant transitioned from a retail job to an avionics trainee position at Joramco, resulting in a 70% salary increase.

These outcomes demonstrate the program’s potential to drive social mobility and gender equity in the aviation sector.

Conclusion: Building a Sustainable Aviation Workforce

The Joramco-Amideast aviation training programme offers a scalable and effective model for workforce development. By combining technical training with guaranteed employment, it addresses both industry labor shortages and youth unemployment in Jordan.

As the aviation industry continues to evolve, partnerships like this will be critical in ensuring operational resilience and economic sustainability. Through targeted investments in human capital, Jordan is positioning itself as a leader in aviation MRO services and a model for other emerging economies.

FAQ

What is the goal of the Joramco-Amideast aviation training programme?
The programme aims to train 60 Jordanian youth in English, digital, and soft skills, preparing them for technical roles in aviation maintenance.

Who supports and implements the programme?
The programme is supported by Boeing and implemented in cooperation with Jordan’s Ministry of Youth.

What guarantees are offered to participants?
Graduates who successfully complete the programme are guaranteed employment opportunities at Joramco.

Sources

Zawya, Amideast, Joramco, Oliver Wyman