LANCASHIRE, 8 July 2004 — BAE Systems, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of fighter jets, has launched an ambitious training program to groom young Saudis for executive positions within its organization not only in the Kingdom but also in other countries like the UK, the US and Australia, where the company has a substantial market share.

Paul Ethell, human resources director at BAE Systems, discussed the program during an interview at the company’s headquarters at Warton, Lancashire, where it has state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and its own airfield. Situated amid the Lancashire countryside, the company is currently engaged in the production of Eurofighter, for which Saudi Arabia will be one of the prime sales targets.

According to Ethell, the program, called Mustakbal, seeks to promote young and talented Saudis to executive positions within the Kingdom and abroad on the basis of their creative, technical and managerial skills honed during the training period. Selection of trainees for the program is on the basis of input received from the line managers.

Walid A. Abukhaled, head of BAE Systems’ PR and Communications (Middle East), said 35 Saudis have gone through the training program — 20 taking a BAE Certificate in Management (BCiM) and 15 taking a BAE Diploma in Management (BDiM). He said a coach and a mentor to help each employee to develop his knowledge and skills while, at the same time, exposing him to new challenges and planning future stages of development.

An important element of the program, he pointed out, is that selection and promotion are strictly on the basis of merit and not “wasta” (influence), which he described as a “disease in our society.”

The Mustakbal program, Ethell said, underlines BAE Systems’ firm commitment to develop Saudi managers who could be shining symbols of Saudization. They will embody all the qualities that the Kingdom’s private sector has been calling for: Strong work ethic, punctuality, adherence to performance schedule, technical skills and enthusiasm at work.

Abdullah Al-Wadani, who was in charge of this correspondent’s itinerary at Warton, scrupulously adhered to the program to the minute and saw it through within the set time frame. Seeing him and his other Saudi colleagues in action, the overriding impression was that if only the majority of the rank-and-file Saudis embodied the same qualities, Saudization would have a sustainable basis instead of being imposed on the private sector through government regulations.

Ethell said the success of the Mustakbal program has attracted the attention of the General Organization for Technical Education and Vocational Training (GOTEVOT), which want BAE Systems to set up a training program for aircraft technicians. Besides hands-on experience, the theoretical aspects of the training program will include courses in English, mathematics, science, developing fault diagnostic skills, etc.

“At the heart of our training program are three themes,” said Ethell. “They are innovative thinking, making connections to prove that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts, and our success in helping to make the world a safer place.”

He pointed out that assessment for entry to the Mustakbal program is based on levels of skill, knowledge and competence. It also considers the performance and development record of the candidate and their level of motivation within the company. The successful candidates are also seconded to BAE Systems for a two-year period at its headquarters in Warton. Alternatively, they are assigned to work for its subcontractors, for example Rolls Royce, the aircraft engine manufacturer.