Most people can’t hide their surprise when they encounter a Saudi cashier in a supermarket. Many Saudis are now taking such jobs which they would not have done a few years ago. There are of course a number of jobs in the Kingdom which should be done by nationals — and are beginning to be done by nationals. If the jobs are honest, there should be no social stigma attached to them. A Saudi should be free to do an honest job for an honest wage. This is the real meaning of development in the First, Second or Third World.
Al-Azizia Panda supermarket chain has been one of the first companies to encourage young Saudis to take jobs in their stores. The main goal of the plan was to offer Saudi students part-time jobs. After the decision by the top management to offer these new positions, a total of 255 Saudis were employed.
To help familiarize these new candidates with the positions, a training center was established in 1995. In the center, newly hired employees attend a two- to three-week training course. The kind of courses offered depends upon the position being applied for. “We offer jobs as cashiers and baggers to Saudi high school graduates,” said Rabi, the training and development manager at Al-Azizia Panda. “We recruit Saudis who have at least a high school diploma. We offer them 48 hours of training in classrooms. After completing the hours, all employees attend a two- to three-week practice period in the store. Every employee must memorize a minimum of 50 prices for different items. They must also learn how to use the scales and look up prices according to weight. The training also includes food safety and personal hygiene courses. A three-day course in Basic English is also offered.”
The flexible working hours — a total of four, six or eight hours — attracted many young men. Many applied for the job to help support themselves while finishing their studies in colleges.
Muhammad Al-Anezi is a young Saudi who recently began working in Al-Azizia Panda. His family encouraged him to take the job after he graduated from high school. After completing the training program, he went to work in one of the branches. “I have been working here for four months. I like my work especially when other people tell me how proud they are for what I am doing. I even introduced many of my friends to my job. Some of them liked the idea and actually applied. Many customers fail to recognize that I am Saudi. They talk to me in English or call me “rafeeg” or “sadeeg”. Then I surprise them by answering in Arabic. That does not bother me. You have to admit, it is funny sometimes when you play along. I am planning to continue my studies in college and I won’t think of leaving this job while doing so.”
Another employee is Ahmad, a second year college student. He applied for a part-time job to help support himself while studying at the university. “I chose my working hours to begin after Asr prayers. Because my time is flexible, I can manage both study and work. I am not ashamed of my job but rather proud of it. I just hope that young Saudis appreciate these jobs. In some cases, young men of my age look down on me. And I do resent that. Once a customer left me some change but I politely returned it to him. Most customers encourage me and feel proud of me and my Saudi colleagues.”
It was an interesting experience to meet the three Hawi brothers who are all working in the same branch. The labor office referred them all — Yahia, Ali, and Abdullah — to the company. After completing the training courses, Yahia and Ali were employed as cashiers and Abdullah was appointed an assistant in the fruit and vegetable section.
“I have been working now for two years. What encourages me most is people’s support. I am proud to be one of the Saudis doing this job. The salary is not so high but I hope to be promoted soon to a manager’s job,” Yahia said.
Not long after, the youngest brother, Hussein, decided to work in the company as well. Hussein chose to work in the bakery. “After finishing the training, I was given a choice of sections to work in. I chose the bakery and this is my eighth month here. I work two shifts and the salary is not bad. Almost all customers deal with me as a non-Saudi. They talk to me in English. Once they know that I am Saudi, they bombard me with a hundred questions. It used to be a little bit annoying at first but not anymore. Especially when they all praise me and wish me good luck.”
There is no doubt of the success of this plan. And the good examples above should serve as motivation for other young men. According to the company’s manager of training and development, the aim is to replace all cashiers everywhere in the Kingdom with Saudis. The company also provides housing and transportation allowances for its employees. These are very brave and commendable steps taken by Al-Azizia Panda and other companies and organizations should consider doing the same.