Programme Overview

YCI was first launched in the Middle East region in 2007 when Marriott, Four Seasons and Starwood properties piloted the programme in Amman. After three years of operation, YCI in Jordan has grown from strength to strength and two more hotels have since joined the initiative: a Hyatt property and a second Starwood hotel.

Under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, the Jordan River Foundation (JRF) has been coordinating the local operation of the programme successfully since its initial stages of implementation. JRF has brought in a number of non-profit partners that have provided further support and added value to the training programme in Amman. The YCI training cycle in Amman typically runs from November until April.

Spotlight on Jordan

Jordan has experienced effects from the economic crisis abroad and the Arab Spring, two severe events that have caused skyrocketing numbers of unemployment to reach 40% in 2012. The youth, who make up most of the population, feel the effects even more with 41% of the youth being unemployed.

Other factors including poor educational career guidance and a gap in job skill-sets in what employers look play a negative role in the country’s unemployment. The hotel and restaurant sector must be utilised for employment opportunities considering it contributed 18.9% GDP in 2011.

YCI Jordan 2012 Graduation

On July 5 2012 the Marriott Hotel Amman hosted the graduation of 23 students of the Youth Career Initiative (YCI) Jordan programme.

Already over half of this year’s students have found work in the hotels they trained in, others have returned to full time education or found positions in other hospitality businesses.