Yarmouk University President, Professor Dr. Malek A. Alsharairi, and Chairman of the Irbid Chamber of Industry, Hani Abu Hassan, discussed ways to strengthen mutual cooperation by aligning academic outcomes with the needs of the industrial sector in Irbid Governorate.This took place during the meeting held at the Chamber of Industry building, attended by several members of the Deans’ Council, faculty members from various colleges, and members of the Chamber’s Board of Directors.During the meeting, emphasis was placed on the importance of strengthening the partnership between the university and the industrial and private sectors, in a way that aligns educational outputs and human resources with the needs of local, regional, and international labor markets.Alsharairi emphasized that this effective cooperation and networking with the Irbid Chamber of Industry reflects the essence of the nation’s renaissance through the development of the educational system. He noted that Yarmouk University, with its comprehensive academic programs and specializations, stands out as a distinguished partner for collaboration with various sectors. He added that the university seeks to expand its scientific, research, and applied collaboration network with educational institutions, industrial sectors, and the private sector, contributing to the development of qualification and training programs in the field of entrepreneurship.He continued that, as part of Yarmouk University’s efforts to graduate a generation of Jordanian youth equipped with the technical and practical skills that enhance their competitiveness in the labor market, the university is preparing to begin admitting students to the Technical College, which will offer a variety of intermediate diploma programs. This initiative contributes to bridging the gap between academia and industry, a point that was also emphasized by His Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal during his recent visit to Yarmouk University and Al-Hassan Industrial City.Alsharairi stressed the university’s efforts to implement the concept of dual study tracks, which allows students to combine study with work during the summer semester in collaboration and partnership with various industrial, tourism, healthcare, and educational entities. He also emphasized the university’s commitment to participating in any developmental agenda.He pointed out that the university’s “graduation projects” are among its key strengths that should be focused on and further developed by linking students with industrial sectors and start-up companies, thereby supporting their projects and enabling them to implement them in practice.For his part, Abu Hassan stated that strengthening the Chamber of Industry’s cooperation with educational institutions is a national necessity that contributes to enhancing the capabilities of Jordanian youth and refining their practical skills, thereby boosting their competitiveness in the labor market. He noted that the Chamber’s cooperation with Yarmouk University is one of the successful partnerships that should be nurtured and further developed, as it contributes to advancing both institutions across various fields.He reviewed the initiatives and programs that the Chamber is implementing to bridge the gap between academia and industry, including the field-training programs offered by the Chamber, which enable university students to strengthen their practical skills within their area of specialization by training in one of the participating companies or factories. He added that the Chamber also provides opportunities for students from various disciplines to train in industrial establishments affiliated with the Chamber, allowing them to gain proper practical and applied experience.Abu Hassan also pointed out that the Chamber offers workshops and training courses related to life skills and communication skills, which enable students to market themselves and enhance their chances of securing suitable employment after graduation. He affirmed that the industrial sector in Irbid considers the university a strategic partner, and that the Chamber looks forward to an effective partnership that ensures providing factories with qualified personnel who possess the skills that are truly needed in the labor market.During the meeting, participants emphasized the importance of reviewing and updating academic study plans to align with the modern technical and skill-based requirements of local industries. They also stressed the need to support graduation projects and scientific research at the university, as these efforts contribute to developing practical solutions to the challenges facing factories and industrial companies in Irbid.It is worth noting that the Deans’ Council had held its regular meeting at the Irbid Chamber of Industry, in support of Yarmouk University’s vision to strengthen partnership and communication with various national institutions.