JEDDAH, 8 March 2003 — The local authorities are targeting young Saudis for vocational training and placement. Apart from official agencies, both the Riyadh and Jeddah chambers of commerce and industry are scouting for talent.
The Kingdom, which has one of the highest population growth-rates in the world, has eight universities, nine colleges for vocational and technical education, 72 colleges for the education of women, 18 colleges for teacher training and information technology, and a number of colleges for medical and other branches of science.
Roughly 325,000 students are enrolled in these universities and colleges, of whom female students account for more than 50 percent. There are about 19,000 male and female teachers, according to official statistics.
Special emphasis is being placed on adequate training for Saudis in view of the large number of expats employed in the Kingdom. They account for almost 60 percent of the total workforce.
The Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) is to scout for talent at the upcoming Saudi Educational and Vocational Training Expo (EDVOCX 2003) at Al-Hamra Commercial Center from March 10-13. The Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry will follow suit when the show moves to the capital from March 15-17.
“Universities, colleges, schools and vocational training centers are viewing the event as an opportunity to interact with students and their parents,” Adel A. Shakoor, chief executive officer and general manager of organizer Saudi Exhibition Company, told Arab News.
Education and job and business prospects for women will occupy pride of place at the expo.
The expo will also feature lectures and workshops by human resource professionals.
“Overseas participants will also be there to focus on the kind of higher education in various specialized fields that their institutions provide,” he said.
