Skills development and improved productivity ecosystems: Upgrading informal apprenticeships in Jordan’s car garages

In March 2021, the International Labour Organization (ILO) Governing Body unanimously endorsed the Productivity Ecosystem for Decent Work (hereafter referred to as “Productivity Ecosystem”). The Productivity Ecosystem is an approach that works at the firm, sector and policy level to systematically identify key productivity bottlenecks faced by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and address them in an integrated and sustainable manner. The approach has been developed based on the ILO’s previous work and programmes to improve productivity and decent work for MSMEs.

This case study is part of a broader series that seeks to shed light on key drivers of inclusive productivity growth and to showcase how the ILO has helped strengthen those drivers. Concrete examples are presented of how the ILO facilitated or promoted change that led to positive impact on productivity and decent work, especially for MSMEs. The case study series zooms in on skills development as a key driver for a well-functioning productivity ecosystems for decent work. Specifically, the below case study of an ILO-led upgraded informal apprenticeship programme in Jordan’s car servicing and maintenance sector finds that such apprenticeship schemes impact the skills of young apprentices, thereby improving their employability and the productivity of participating MSMEs.