Mobile technical learning laboratory
High-performance computers, software, internet connectivity, cloud and development tools, design tools, workspaces and presentation equipment.
Al Hadeel Innovation Caravan
A mobile technical learning and industry experience programme for university students and recent graduates in Jordan.
Introduction
Jordan has a growing number of university students and graduates in technical and design fields: information technology, software development, computer science, graphic design, UI/UX and others. Completing their academic studies does not always give them the practical experience, professional exposure, equipment or connections they need to enter the labour market.
The Innovation Caravan brings practical learning directly to students, instead of expecting them, particularly those outside Amman, to travel or relocate. It combines mobile technical learning spaces, project-based training, mentorship, industry exposure and continued opportunities to apply skills, creating a pathway from learning, to practising, to building, to connecting, to gaining experience, to accessing employment.
The problem
- Students stop developing their technical skills when they have no chance to practise regularly.
- University knowledge becomes outdated as technology and industry change.
- Students graduate without a completed portfolio or demonstrable projects.
- There is a gap between academic curricula and the skills companies look for.
- Students outside Amman face extra barriers, because training, networking and recruitment are concentrated in the capital.
- Transportation and participation costs prevent access, even when opportunities exist.
- Companies struggle to find graduates with both academic knowledge and demonstrable experience.
- Students are trained separately from the companies and projects that could employ them.
The result is a cycle: students keep searching for experience, while companies keep searching for candidates who already have it.
The solution
Mobile learning laboratories, equipped with computers, technical and design tools, internet connectivity and workspaces, travel to universities, community centres and educational institutions in Amman and underserved governorates. Instead of one-time training, the Caravan offers continuous development.
Students will:
- Learn relevant skills
- Apply them in practical projects
- Receive guidance from mentors
- Build a professional portfolio
- Meet professionals and companies
- Understand market requirements
- Join real or industry-relevant projects where possible
- Present their work to potential employers
- Continue developing after activities end
Objectives
General objective
To bridge the gap between academic technical education and labour-market requirements through continuous access to practical experience, industry exposure, mentorship and project-based learning.
Specific objectives
- Provide accessible practical learning for technical and design students.
- Provide access to hardware, software and internet connectivity.
- Help students turn knowledge into demonstrable projects.
- Help students build their portfolios and CVs.
- Connect students with companies and ongoing projects.
- Collect industry input to keep the curriculum current.
- Reduce the gap between university and employment.
- Expand access to opportunities beyond Amman.
- Reduce transport barriers through allowances where needed.
- Increase exposure to internships, jobs and freelance work.
- Encourage continued learning.
Who it is for
- Information technology and technology students
- Computer science and software development students
- Engineering and other technical majors
- Graphic design, UI/UX and digital design students
- Recent graduates seeking a first professional opportunity
- Young people with a technical education but no practical experience
Priority may be given to those with limited access to equipment, networks, training or employment. The project aims for meaningful participation of women and of students from underserved communities.
Where it will operate
Amman and selected southern governorates for the pilot phase. The Caravan can expand to more governorates as resources grow.
- Amman
- Karak
- Ma'an
- Tafileh
- Aqaba
What it includes
Project-based learning
Apps, websites, software, data projects, UI/UX case studies, digital design and portfolio projects.
Industry-connected curriculum
Content shaped by input from companies and professionals, and updated as technology and market needs evolve.
Connection with companies and ongoing projects
Company visits, internships, mentors, networking and project demonstrations.
Mentorship
Technical guidance, problem solving, CV and interview preparation, communication, workplace expectations and career direction.
Portfolio and career development
CV clinics, mock interviews, pitching practice and demo days.
Transportation support
Transport allowances where funding allows, so that cost is not a barrier to taking part.
Implementation model
- Identification
Identify universities, community centres and participants in each location, prioritising those with the least access.
- Skills Assessment
Assess each participant's level, interests and goals to place them on the right learning track.
- Practical Learning
Hands-on sessions in the mobile lab on in-demand tools, technologies and design skills.
- Build Sprint
Participants work in teams to build real projects with guidance from mentors.
- Industry Exposure
Company visits, meetings with professionals and contact with ongoing projects.
- Portfolio Development
Turning completed work into a portfolio, a CV and a professional profile.
- Demonstration
Demo days where participants present their work to companies and potential employers.
- Continued Opportunities
Follow-up, continued learning and links to internships, jobs and freelance work.
What the Caravan does not do
- It does not replace university education or curricula.
- It does not guarantee employment or internships.
- It is not a one-off workshop.
- It is not limited to Amman, or to students who own powerful computers.
It creates access, experience, connections and pathways. Outcomes depend on individual performance, market conditions and the opportunities available.
Proposed year-one targets
Proposed targets, to be adjusted| Indicator | Target |
|---|---|
| Governorates reached | Amman + at least 3 southern governorates |
| Students and recent graduates engaged | 250+ |
| Portfolio-ready projects produced | 150+ |
| Company visits / industry events | 10+ |
| Students connected to internship or employment opportunities | 50+ |
| Female participation | Minimum 40% |
Sustainability and long-term vision
- Companies can contribute mentorship, projects, expertise, internships and employment pathways.
- The curriculum evolves with emerging technologies.
- More mobile units can be added without building permanent facilities.
FromTrain, finish, search alone.
ToLearn, practice, build, connect, gain experience, continue, work.
Students should not spend years acquiring technical knowledge only to graduate with no place to use it, and companies should not wait for graduates to gain experience on their own.
The Innovation Caravan builds the bridge.
Upcoming Project
Help us put the Caravan on the road.
Companies, universities and donors can partner with us, contribute mentors and projects, or sponsor a mobile unit. Tell us how you would like to be involved.
- Phone
- +962779080504
- Website
- alhadeel-ess.org
- Where we work
- Jordan, with a focus on remote and underserved areas nationwide
Send a Message