Amid the rapid transformations taking place in vocational and technical education in Jordan, this track has emerged as a fundamental pillar supporting economic and social modernization. It is based on skills development and aligning education with labor market needs, highlighting the importance of empowering teachers, particularly those in the BTEC program, in the fields of art and design.
In this context, the Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, Professor Ali Al-Rabiat, inaugurated a specialized training workshop for vocational education (BTEC) teachers in the fields of art, design, and creative media. The workshop, titled "Screen & Heat Printing for BTEC Projects," was attended by the Head of the Department of Fine Arts, Dr. Muhammad Salem, and the workshop facilitator, Mr. Basil Tawaha, a lecturer in the Department of Fine Arts. It was organized by the Department of Fine Arts in cooperation with the Department of Educational Supervision, under the supervision of Dr. Maisoun Al-Far, the art and design supervisor from the Irbid Governorate Education Directorate. The workshop saw the participation of 29 teachers, including six female teachers from the Bani Obaid Education Directorate, in addition to several teachers from schools in the Irbid District Education Directorate.
The workshop aimed to develop the practical and applied competencies of vocational education teachers in the art, design, and creative media specializations included in the BTEC program. It also aimed to enhance the use of screen printing and thermal printing techniques in educational projects, thereby contributing to aligning vocational education outcomes with the demands of the labor market and creative industries.
In his opening remarks, Al-Rabeeat emphasized that these workshops represent a significant step in raising the professional standards of the BTEC program and empowering teachers to develop their skills and teaching methods. He also noted Yarmouk University's support for vocational and technical education and the opening of a new technical college, approved by the Higher Education Council in February 2025, which will grant associate and bachelor's degrees in technology, with a focus on programs relevant to labor market needs.
For his part, the Head of the Fine Arts Department emphasized the importance of cooperation between the Faculty of Fine Arts and the Directorate of Education in the field of vocational education. He noted its contribution to developing teachers' practical skills, enhancing their professional readiness, and preparing students, particularly those planning to pursue further studies at the Faculty of Fine Arts and the Technical College in art and design.
This workshop is the second in the BTEC initiative series launched by the Fine Arts Department. It reflects the Faculty's commitment to implementing its strategic plan, strengthening networking with strategic partners, and building sustainable partnerships with various educational institutions. This aims to empower students and develop their professional competencies, aligning with Yarmouk University's strategic plan for academic excellence, quality education, and capacity building.
The workshop, presented by Dr. Basel Tawaha, focused on the fundamentals of screen printing, covering the general principles of the technique, screen preparation steps, materials used, and its applications on diverse surfaces. The workshop also included hands-on practical demonstrations for teachers, covering the use of silk screen printing and paper stenciling techniques as simplified alternatives. It also introduced thermal printing technology, its tools, and practical steps, with practical applications on a number of products.
At the conclusion of the workshop, organizers emphasized the importance of continuing to hold such specialized training programs, given their role in developing the professional competencies of vocational education teachers, raising the quality of educational outcomes, and strengthening the integration between school and university education, in line with labor market demands and serving the goals of vocational and technical education.
